Department for Transport

Roads: Freight

Mrs Natalie Elphicke: Whether he has undertaken an assessment of the adequacy of road transport provision for international freight traffic in East Kent; and if he will make a statement.

Rachel Maclean: The Department works with Highways England and Kent County Council to ensure roads in East Kent can support international freight traffic. This includes Highways England funding a movable barrier which enables Operation Brock to hold heavy goods vehicles in the event of serious disruption at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, and allows the M20 to remain open for other traffic in both directions. For the longer term, Highways England is currently developing options for two schemes on the A2/M2 route to inform future road investment decisions.

Road Traffic Control

Dr Rupa Huq: What plans the Government has to bring forward legislative proposals to enable residents of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods to vote on those schemes.

Chris Heaton-Harris: Authorities are already required to consult with communities on low traffic neighbourhoods. We have no plans to enable local votes.

Buses

Emma Hardy: What steps the Government is taking to ensure the long-term security of the coach sector.

Robert Courts: We are continuing to work across Departments to promote and further the coach sector as a key part of the Government’s forthcoming Tourism Recovery Plan.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Virginia Crosbie: What steps his Department is taking to support a green maritime sector in the UK.

Robert Courts: My Department recently launched a £20 million Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, building on the vision set out in the Clean Maritime Plan published in 2019 and will announce further policy proposals in the Transport Decarbonisation Plan this Spring.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Hilary Benn: What recent progress has been made on HS2.

Andrew Stephenson: Construction is underway and already supporting over 15000 jobs including over 500 apprenticeships. Phase 2a has also achieved royal assent.

Bus Services: Fares

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2021 to Question 183124, what assessment he has made of the level of funding necessary to make flat fares the norm on bus services.

Rachel Maclean: The National Bus Strategy sets out what we want to see on fares, including low flat fares (or maximum fares and daily price caps) to be the norm within cities and towns. We expect to see Bus Service Improvement Plans from local transport authorities set out how they will achieve these objectives, including their plans and costs for implementing new fares and ticketing policies.

Traffic Management Act 2004

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether there has been any Parliamentary or Government review of the operation and effectiveness of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Rachel Maclean: The Department commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory and Halcrow in 2007 to evaluate Parts 2 to 4 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. Part 3 of the 2004 Act enables local highway authorities to create and operate street works permit schemes, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of these was carried out in 2018. ‘Gear change: a bold vision for cycling and walking’, published on 28 July 2020, included a commitment to review guidance relating to the Network Management Duty in Part 2 of the 2004 Act, to reflect the need for transport decarbonisation, encouraging healthier forms for transport and emphasis on technology.

Bus Services: Public Consultation

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2021 to Question 183125 on bus services, what plans he has for a public consultation on the meaning of socially necessary services.

Rachel Maclean: The Government has committed to issuing guidance on the meaning and role of socially necessary services. Further details will be announced in due course.

Roads: Construction and Repairs and Maintenance

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential for introducing low-carbon materials into road building and road maintenance programmes.

Rachel Maclean: The Government is committed to exploring innovative ideas and processes for more environmentally friendly ways of constructing, repairing, and maintaining road surfaces. It is working closely with sector partners such as the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT), the Local Councils Roads Innovation Group, and the Highways Sector Council to encourage authorities to explore low-carbon options.As part of the ADEPT Live Labs research programme, the Department for Transport provided £22.9 million to eight innovative projects throughout the country, which included trials using recycled plastics, and the addition of graphene, in surfacing and structural treatments. These trials will assess the suitability and durability of these additives, from minor patching work and pothole repairs through to major resurfacing.

Bus Services: Coronavirus

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to restore confidence in domestic coach travel as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased.

Rachel Maclean: As the country progresses safely through the steps of the roadmap (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary), the Government will continue to engage with coach operators to assess how it can support the sector’s recovery. The Government is also planning to bring forward a Tourism Recovery Plan in the Spring. This will provide further detail on how the Government will support the UK tourism sector, with measures that will be applicable to many sub-sectors, including coach travel.

Cycling: West Midlands

Stuart Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what funding his Department has made available from the public purse to support cycle (a) hire and (b) repair programmes in the West Midlands.

Chris Heaton-Harris: On 7 February 2020, the Department published a detailed breakdown of annual investment in cycling and walking from 2016/17 to 2018/19, which includes information on how much funding has been provided to local and combined authorities in the West Midlands over that period. Copies of the report and other associated information are available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/investment-schedule-in-cycling-and-walking-interventions. Under the Active Travel Fund, the Department made available around £17 million to Transport for the West Midlands (TfWM) in 2020/21 for schemes to boost cycling and walking. It is up to TfWM to determine in discussion with its seven constituent authorities where this funding is spent. In the current financial year the Department will be providing both revenue funding and capital funding to local authorities for active travel schemes. TfWM is due to receive £1.9 million of revenue funding to support local capacity building and behaviour change initiatives such as cycle hire and repair schemes.The Department will make a further announcement in due course about TfWM’s capital funding allocation for 2021/22.In 2020/21 the Department also made available over £20 million nationally for the Fix Your Bike voucher scheme and for pop-up “Dr Bike” maintenance stations.

Highways England: Biodiversity and Carbon Emissions

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of Highways England on its progress on meeting its performance indicators on (a) reducing carbon emissions and (b) delivering improved biodiversity.

Rachel Maclean: As part of the second Road Investment Strategy, published last year, we asked Highways England to calculate baselines for both its corporate carbon emission and biodiversity Key Performance Indicators. There have been productive conversations between Highways England and the Department during the past year on the setting of the baselines, details of which will be provided in Highways England’s Delivery Plan update, due to be published in the Summer. The Office for Rail and Road will independently monitor and assess Highways England’s performance against the targets throughout the remainder of the road period.

Department for Education

Pioneer Academy: Finance

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what financial assistance his Department has provided to the Pioneer Academy following that academy's agreement to sponsor Moulsecoomb Primary School.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Pioneer Academy: Timothy Rowe

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department has received any correspondence on the appointment of Timothy Rowe as regional director of the Pioneer Academy.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Pioneer Academy: Finance

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much total funding his Department awarded to the Pioneer Academy.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Pioneer Academy: Complaints

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department has received any complaints of any form about the Pioneer Academy.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Financial Services: Education

Stuart Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that schools deliver adequate financial education, including on debt management.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Gender Based Violence

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his policy is on the provision of education on  preventing violence against women and girls.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

School Exclusions Review

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress he has made in implementing the recommendations of the Timpson Review on school exclusions.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Pupils: English Language

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information his Department holds on the proportion of pupils for whom English is not their first language at home.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Schools: Protective Clothing

Andrew Lewer: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to update guidance on wearing masks in secondary school classrooms as covid-19 restrictions are eased.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Assessments: Finance

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what additional resources will be provided to schools and colleges to allow teachers the capacity during the summer 2021 term to carry out the assessments and quality assurance necessary for students to receive grades in GCSEs, A-Levels and vocational qualifications.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Schools: Coronavirus

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with Public Health England on determining the appropriate size of a bubble in schools during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will publish the scientific guidance he received ahead of making that decision.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

English Language: Remote Education

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of home schooling and social distancing during the covid-19 outbreak on children's language skills.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Assessments

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when he plans to announce arrangements for (a) SATS, (b) GCSE, (c) A-level and (d) BTEC examinations in the 2021-22 academic year.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Pupils: Registration

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of primary and secondary school pupils anticipated to re-enrol on the school register in September 2020 re-enrolled on the school register in September 2020.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the right hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Members: Correspondence

Robert Largan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when he plans to respond to the enquiry from the hon. Member for High Peak of 2 June 2020, reference RL6297.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Pupil Exclusions

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many pupils were removed from school admissions registers in the most recent academic year for the reason that they were continually absent from school for a period of more than 20 days, under section 8(1)(h) of the amended Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the right hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Pupils: Registration

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent estimate he has made of the number of children who have dropped off the school register in September 2020.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the right hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Home Education: Standards

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent steps has he taken to ensure the quality of education for children who are home schooled.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Primary Education: Admissions

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his policy is on amending the school admissions code to enable summer-born children to start reception at five years old.

Nick Gibb: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Pre-school Education: Fees and Charges

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that private early years providers do not charge top-up fees to parents entitled to free childcare under the Free Early Education Entitlement.

Vicky Ford: Government funding is intended to deliver 15 or 30 hours a week of free, high quality, flexible childcare for eligible two, three and four year olds across 38 weeks of the year. It is not intended to cover the costs of meals, additional hours or additional services, and providers may charge parents for these.Our statutory guidance is clear that local authorities should work with providers to ensure all parents have fair access to a free place, which must be delivered completely free of charge. Providers should not charge parents “top-up” fees (any difference between a provider’s normal charge to parents and the funding they receive from the local authority to deliver free places) or require parents to pay a registration fee as a condition of taking up their child’s free place.

Overseas Students: Coronavirus

Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans his Department has to support international students enrolling onto higher education courses in the UK at the start of the 2021-22 academic year within the covid-international travel framework.

Michelle Donelan: International students are vital and valued members of our higher education (HE) community. The government has worked closely with the HE sector throughout this year to ensure existing rules and processes have been as flexible as possible, so that international students have been able to study in the UK as planned.The department speaks regularly with its counterparts across the government, including the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England, the Department for Transport and Cabinet Office, among others, about how various COVID-19 policies may affect students.The UK was one of the first countries to introduce important visa concessions for international students at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, and we will do our utmost to ensure this flexibility remains for as long as needed. We will continue to work with our counterparts across the government to ensure that the UK remains as accessible and welcoming as possible next academic year.

Students: Coronavirus

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the prioritisation for covid-19 vaccination of university students ahead of the 2021-22 academic year; and if he will make a statement.

Michelle Donelan: The department regularly reviews advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and Public Health England to ensure that our policies are guided by the most up-to-date scientific evidence.The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are the independent experts who advise the government on which vaccines the UK should use. The JCVI also provide advice on who should be offered the vaccines.The JCVI have advised that the second phase of vaccine prioritisation should continue to be based on age. They advise that an age-based approach remains the most effective way of reducing death and hospitalisation from COVID-19 and of ensuring that more people are protected quickly.Everyone in the top 9 priority cohorts (those aged 50 and over, those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and frontline health and social care workers) has now been offered a first dose of the vaccine. Our target remains to offer a vaccine to all adults aged 18 and over by 31 July.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Clean Technology Fund

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much Overseas Development Assistance funding his Department allocated to the Clean Technology Fund in 2020-21; and when he plans to release the Overseas Development Assistance funding allocation for the Clean Technology Fund in 2021-22.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: UK support for the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), as part of the umbrella Climate Investment Funds (CIFs), is an important element of UK global leadership to tackle climate change and mobilise climate finance at scale. BEIS allocated £12,583,808 to the CTF in 2020-21, to enable developing countries accelerate adoption of appropriate renewable energy technologies. Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) funding allocations decisions for CTF in 2021-22 are being reviewed as part of wider ODA budgeting processes for 2021-22 and will be released as part of standard Government commitments on ODA transparency.

Energy Intensive Industries: Biofuels

Mark Pawsey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the Green Gas Levy volumetric charges on the operations of gas intensive industries.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The Government will launch the Green Gas Levy with a per meter point approach later this year, the design of which was set out in the recent Future Support for Low Carbon Heat & Green Gas Levy Government Response. The impact of a per meter point approach on gas intensive industries is expected to be minimal. However, the Government recognises the clear benefits of a volumetric levy that aligns policy costs more closely with energy consumption. The Government has been clear that any volumetric levy design must be simple to administer and deliver, minimise costs on consumers, and take consideration of the impact on energy intensive industries and other important UK industries. The Government will ensure it consults fully and works closely with stakeholders on any new proposals in this area. Further details on the impact of transitioning to a volumetric levy will be set out in the impact assessment that will follow the government response mentioned above in due course.

Park Homes: Energy Supply

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with representatives of Mobile Home Park owners on energy resellers as defined by OFGEM, in the context of mis-selling or overcharging of the maximum resale price for energy costs in relation to mobile home parks.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: BEIS Ministers and officials regularly meet with consumer representatives to discuss a variety of issues relating to the energy market. Ofgem’s Maximum Resale Price Provisions state the maximum price at which gas or electricity may be resold must be the same price that the reseller paid per unit of energy and the standing charge. The maximum resale price rule does not apply where an inclusive charge is made for accommodation and there is no separate agreement for the resale of gas and electricity. Under the terms of their written agreement, mobile home residents can request documentary evidence in support and explanation of any charges for gas and electricity payable to the site owner under the agreement. If the site owner does not provide the information, the resident can apply to the First Tier Tribunal for a determination.

Electricity: Billing

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with Ofgem on the potential effect on electricity bills of voltage optimisation.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: Voltage limits are set by law to protect, and help ensure the efficient operation of, the electricity system. Any change to voltage levels requires careful consideration of all the potential impacts including on consumer appliances, the wider electricity system, and consumer electricity bills. The Department commissioned an independent review of electrical engineering standards, which included recommendations concerning voltage limits when it reported in December 2020[1]. We are engaging with Ofgem as we consider the recommendations and will provide a response in due course. Ofgem has also provided funding to distribution network operators for voltage optimisation innovation trials and the Energy Networks Association is examining the case for extending statutory voltage limits. These activities are providing evidence of the impacts of voltage optimisation. [1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/943700/electricity-engineering-standards-review-technical-analysis-topic-areas.pdf

Housing: Natural Gas

Stuart C McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what his policy is on the reduction or elimination of the use of natural gas for domestic heating and cooking; and what targets his Department has on that matter.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: As set out in the Energy White Paper, the Government will provide a clear path for moving away from fossil fuels, including natural gas, in homes over the next fifteen years as consumers replace their appliances.By the mid-2030s, we expect all newly installed heating systems to be low carbon or to be appliances that we are confident can be converted to a clean fuel supply. In order to achieve this ambition, we are moving forward with plans to deploy low carbon technologies, having set a target for 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028. We are also continuing to support research and development projects to help determine the feasibility of using low carbon hydrogen for domestic purposes including trials planned throughout the decade.For new homes, the Government is introducing the Future Homes Standard by 2025. We expect that homes built to the Future Homes Standard will have carbon dioxide emissions 75-80% lower than those built to current Building Regulations standards, which means they will be fit for the future, with low carbon heating and very high fabric standards. In order to support this, we will be consulting on whether it is appropriate to end gas grid connections to new homes. We will be publishing a Heat and Buildings Strategy in due course, which will set out the immediate actions we will take for reducing emissions from buildings.

Renewable Energy: Finance

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how the Government plans to support the uptake of renewable energy projects while also stabilising their costs on the grid; and if he will make a statement.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: Renewable deployment has been a huge success in the UK and renewable generation has more than quadrupled since 2010, totalling 37% of electricity generation in 2019 (source: Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2020). Our continued support has seen the cost of renewable technologies fall – the cost of offshore wind, for example, has fallen by more than two thirds since 2015. The Government has committed up to £557 million for future Contracts for Difference auctions, with the next allocation round due to take place later this year. We continue to evolve the Contracts for Difference scheme and have recently engaged with industry through a call for evidence, looking at how to balance enabling deployment with minimising system costs and, therefore, costs to consumers. This will be used to inform the design of future allocation rounds. The costs incurred by renewable energy projects when connecting to the grid are a matter for Ofgem, as the independent regulator. As part of its Access and Forward-Looking Charges Review, Ofgem is considering some relevant aspects of grid charges, and it plans to consult on reform proposals in 2021.

Wind Power: Finance

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of ringfencing a portion of CfD Round 4 funding specifically for onshore wind projects.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: As my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced through his 10 Point Plan, we plan to hold our most ambitious auction to date for renewable electricity later on this year. The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme has been hugely successful in delivering renewable electricity for Great Britain and we hope to build on this success in Auction Round 4. We are preparing for this right now and as with previous rounds, we will seek to balance our objectives of achieving secure, decarbonised electricity at low cost. You can expect auction parameters to be announced closer to round opening.

Deep Sea Mining: Reviews

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Government's cross departmental evidence review on deep sea mining, if he will publish the (a) terms of reference for that review and (b) full results of that review once concluded.

Nadhim Zahawi: We have commissioned an independent review of the existing literature in relation to deep sea mining, which will seek to include elements such as environmental, economic and societal considerations, and to identify key outstanding questions and evidence gaps. The terms of reference and a summary of the evidence review will be published in due course.

Deep Sea Mining: Reviews

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Government's cross-departmental review on deep sea mining, if he will provide the names of the external experts who were (a) approached and (b) appointed to participate in that review.

Nadhim Zahawi: The names of the external experts who were approached and appointed to participate in the review will be published in due course.

Aviation and Shipping: Carbon Budgets

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Government’s acceptance of the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation on the Sixth Carbon Budget to reduce emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to include international aviation and shipping in that target under the Climate Change Act 2008.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The Government has laid legislation for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the series of ambitious plans we have announced since committing to net zero emissions in law, including through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date. We have committed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.

Environment Protection: Job Creation

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the data-set released by the Green New Deal UK group on 19 April 2021 and based on the European Climate Foundation’s 2018 report, Unlocking the Job Potential of Zero Carbon, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure that at least (a) 1580 green jobs are created within two years and (b) 4484 green jobs are created within 10 years in Birkenhead constituency.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: As we rebuild, we must build back better, greener, and faster. This means supporting green jobs, levelling up, accelerating our path to net zero, and creating long-term advantage for the UK. Spanning clean energy, buildings, transport, nature and innovative technologies, the Ten Point Plan will mobilise £12 billion of government investment to unlock three times as much private sector investment by 2030. In doing so we will support a further 90,000 green jobs across the UK by 2024, and up to 250,000 by 2030. Job estimates at a constituency level are not available.

Renewable Energy: Finance

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what cost benefit assessment his Department has made on the potential merits of increasing support to community energy projects to (a) engage the public in the net zero transition and (b) deliver social and community benefits.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: The Government recognises the valuable role that community and locally owned renewable energy projects can play in reaching our net zero targets. Community energy groups can act as catalysts for raising awareness and promoting behaviour change, both of which are vital if we are to achieve our 2050 goals. BEIS is funding the Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) a £10 million programme, delivered through the 5 Local Energy Hubs in England in the North East (Yorkshire & Humber), the North West, the Midlands, Greater South East, and the South West. This scheme supports rural communities in England to develop renewable energy projects, explicitly to provide economic and social benefits back to the community. Over 90 communities have received support so far.

Post Offices: ICT

Chris Elmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans his Department has to establish a judicial inquiry into the Horizon Post Office scandal.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Horticulture: Job Creation

Dame Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to support the creation of smallholder and community-led horticulture jobs in (a) England, (b) the North West, (c) Wirral and (d) Wallasey.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Business Premises: Coronavirus

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support and guidance on ventilation during the covid-19 outbreak is being made available to businesses.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Facebook: Advertising

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the (a) implications for his policies of the judgement in the US case of DZ Reserve et al v Facebook and (b) potential need for the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate Facebook in the UK.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Remote Working: Coronavirus

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking with trade unions to protect workers employed by large businesses against unfair treatment while working from home during the covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Summertime

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of making daylight saving time permanent.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Local Government Finance: Job Creation

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what additional funding he plans to allocate to local authorities to support the creation of new jobs in the low-carbon sector.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Employment Agencies: Pay

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure umbrella companies comply with legislation on the payment of holiday pay.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

John Lamont: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what progress has been on the establishment of the Centre for Process Innovation that will support the creation of a library of mRNA vaccines to help protect against new variants of covid-19.

Nadhim Zahawi: It has not proved possible to respond to my Hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation.

Help to Grow Scheme

Sam Tarry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what software is approved for the 50 per cent discount voucher for companies using the Help to Grow Scheme; and what routes are open for a software company to apply for approval to be a supplier for that scheme.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Bereavement Leave

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of the provision of bereavement leave to (a) mothers and (b) partners who have experienced a (i) miscarriage and (ii) stillbirth.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Members: Correspondence

Robert Largan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to respond to the enquiry of 9 February 2021 from the hon. Member for High Peak with the reference RL19001.

Amanda Solloway: It has not proved possible to respond to my Hon. Friend in the time available before Prorogation.

Horizon Europe: Quantum Technology and Space

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential extent to which the UK will be excluded from quantum and space research programmes as a result of the UK holding associate membership of the EU's Horizon Europe programme rather than full membership of that EU programme.

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions the Government (a) has had and (b) plans to have with the European Commission on the UK’s participation in quantum and space research programmes under the Horizon Europe programme.

Amanda Solloway: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Research: Africa

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 30 March 2021 to Question 173012 on Africa: Research, if he will establish the number of early career researchers across the continent of Africa who will lose funding as a result of changes to the Official Development Assistance allocation to the Future Leaders - African Independent Research programme.

Amanda Solloway: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Ports: Scotland

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2021 to Question 181061 on Wind Power: Seas and Oceans, how much port infrastructure funding has been allocated to ports in Scotland.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Companies: West Midlands

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many companies are registered in (a) Sandwell and (b) the West Midlands.

Paul Scully: It has not proved possible to respond to the Rt. Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Carbon Emissions

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the UK CO2 emissions were in (a) in total and (b) per capita in (i) 1990 and (ii) 2019.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan: It has not proved possible to respond to the Rt. Hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Economic Situation: Holiday Leave

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the economic consequences of annual leave entitlement not taken by employees in 2020 as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully: In light of the pandemic, the Government introduced the Working Time (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 which allow four weeks of annual leave to be carried into the following two leave years if, due to the effects of coronavirus, it is not reasonably practicable for a worker to take this leave in the year to which it relates. These regulations ensure that workers who are unable to take their holiday due to coronavirus do not risk losing their holiday entitlement. These regulations relax the obligation on employers to ensure that workers can take holiday in the leave year to which it relates, providing additional flexibility to support both employers and workers. It is a matter for individual employers and their workers to consider whether it is possible to facilitate a worker taking annual leave at a specific time.

EU Grants and Loans: Iron and Steel

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will ringfence levies paid by the steel sector into the EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel and returned from the EU to the public purse for the establishment of a steel innovation fund.

Nadhim Zahawi: At last year’s Spending Review, we set out plans for Government spending for 2021/22, to prioritise the Government’s response to Covid-19, and our focus on supporting jobs. The Government recognises the importance of research and innovation in helping to transform the steel sector so that it can play a vital role in developing the UK’s economy. Our on-going support to the sector includes announcing £22m to the Materials Processing Institute in Teesside to deliver a R&D programme of transformative manufacturing, announcing a £250m Clean Steel Fund that to support the transition of the steel sector to new low carbon technologies, providing up to £66m through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to help steel and other foundation industries develop radical new technologies and establish innovation centres of excellence in these sectors, and the £315m  Industrial Energy Transformation Fund which supports the development and deployment of technologies to transition to a low carbon future.

Employment Agencies

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will ban the practice of recruitment agencies asking for incentives to recommend contractors to an umbrella company.

Paul Scully: Commercial and loyalty incentive schemes may be a legitimate business-to-business interaction, between the employment agency and an umbrella company. They are therefore outside the scope of the agency regulations enforced by the Employment Agency Standards (EAS) Inspectorate, which regulate the relationship between the agency and work-seeker. The Government will continue to work with the recruitment sector to seek compliance with existing regulations. The Government will also continue to ensure current regulations remain fit for purpose, drawing on the expertise of trade bodies and businesses in the sector. Proposed regulatory changes would be announced in the usual way.

Employment Agencies: Pay

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to ensure umbrella companies comply with legislation on the payment of holiday pay.

Paul Scully: Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights, including those employed by umbrella companies is a priority for this Government. We have already introduced requirements to improve the information provided to new agency workers about their contractual terms and pay rates. We have also committed to extend the remit of the Employment Agency Standards (EAS) Inspectorate to include umbrella companies. This will enable EAS to take enforcement action against an umbrella company that has not paid holiday pay. We will bring forward the legislation to implement this in due course.

Foreign Investment in UK: National Security

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the National Security and Investment: Sectors in Scope of the Mandatory Regime, published March 2021, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the sample size of respondents with respect to providing a basis for legislation.

Paul Scully: The Government received 94 written responses to the consultation on the sectors in scope of the mandatory notification regime. The responses were used to refine and narrow the definitions for the basis of secondary legislation to provide further clarity for parties on whether their proposed acquisition comes in scope of the mandatory notification regime. There were substantial responses for each sector definition and the responses received were representative of the key areas of the economy. This included investors, individuals, regulators, individual businesses, legal and advisory firms, trade associations and industry groups, academics and regulators. In addition, the Government has engaged informally with external stakeholders across the economy on the proposed descriptions.

Unite: Annual Reports

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2021 to Question 180920 on Unite: Annual Reports, for what reason it was not feasible for the Certification Officer to publish the annual return for Unite between 18 December 2020 and early March 2021.

Paul Scully: It was not feasible for the Certification Officer to publish the annual return for Unite between 18 December 2020 and early March 2021 due to staff absence. Throughout this period, copies of the annual return were made available for public inspection on application to her office.

Overseas Aid: China

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much Official Development Assistance his Department plans to allocate to projects in China in 2021.

Amanda Solloway: The majority of the Department’s Official Development Assistance spend is allocated thematically, rather than geographically. Information on the level of funding for work with China in 2021 will not be available until the completion of the Statistics on International Development (SID) return at the completion of this Financial Year. BEIS only funds work with China on addressing global development challenges together. China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases and a key driver of global growth. Meeting the Paris Agreement and limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C is impossible without action from China.

Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and National Minimum Wage Enforcement Unit

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will publish a classification of the matters being investigated by the (a) Employment Standards Agency Inspectorate and (b) HMRC National Minimum Wage enforcement team for the 2020-21 annual reporting period.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many frontline (a) enforcement officers and (b) inspectors were employed on average in the HMRC National Minimum Wage enforcement team for the 2020-21 annual reporting period.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many investigations were carried out by the (a) Employment Standards Agency Inspectorate and (b) HMRC National Minimum Wage enforcement team for the 2020-21 annual reporting period.

Paul Scully: HMRC National Minimum Wage team investigate matters classified as non-payment of the national minimum wage. In spite of the pandemic, 2020/21 was another successful year for HMRC’s minimum wage enforcement activities. HMRC investigated over 2,700 businesses and closed almost 1,000 cases with arrears, secured more than £16.5 million in arrears for more than 155,000 workers, and issued 575 penalties amounting to over £14 million. HMRC continue to take strong action against the most serious non-compliant businesses and as of March 2021 there are 24 employers in a Labour Market Enforcement Undertaking, and 15 employers have been prosecuted for NMW offences since 2007. Over the course of 2020/21, the HMRC Promote team facilitated nearly 800,000 employers and workers to seek further information in relation to the minimum wage.This included:- Sending more than 400,000 texts to apprentices regarding the risk of underpayment from unpaid training time;- Writing to nearly 200,000 employers and workers;- Producing a variety of webinars and educational videos that accumulated nearly 20,000 views.In addition to the above, the “Calculating the Minimum Wage” guidance had nearly 50,000 views; and there were almost 9,000 views of the work experience and intern’s guidance. There were more than 400 full time employees on average involved in HMRC’s enforcement of the minimum wage over the 2020/21 reporting year. The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate also continued to investigate all complaints throughout 2020/21 and undertook proactive inspections of employment businesses. These included issues concerning non-payment or withholding earnings, being charged to find work, contractual disputes, lack of clarity of deductions, advertising of roles, and failure to obtain either sufficient information from a hiring company or work-seeker. It investigated a total of 1631 complaints in the 2020/21 period and undertook 151 pro-active investigations.

Electric Vehicles: Batteries

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when funding from the latest round of The Faraday Institute's Battery Challenge will be awarded.

Amanda Solloway: We can confirm that applicants into the Faraday Battery Challenge’s fourth competition of collaborative research and development funding will be notified by Friday 30th April 2021. The announcement of the successful projects will follow. Batteries for electric vehicles are an important part of the Government’s plans for green growth, levelling up across our country and driving emissions to net zero by 2050. The Government is investing £320 million through the Faraday Battery Challenge to put the UK at the global forefront of the design, development, manufacturing, and recycling of electric batteries. This fourth round of innovation funding will continue to support exciting UK businesses in the development of these technologies, generating further jobs and investment in this critical area.

Northern Ireland Office

Parking: Northern Ireland

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of on-street car parking charges in (a) Newry, (b) Lisburn, (c) Belfast and (d) Northern Ireland.

Mr Robin Walker: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland.

Mr Robin Walker: The threat from Northern Ireland-Related Terrorism (NIRT) continues to be SEVERE in Northern Ireland (meaning an attack is highly likely). Violent dissident republican groups continue to plan attacks aimed largely against police and prison officers and members of the armed forces. Last week’s despicable attack on a part-time officer and member of police staff is a reminder that there is a small minority whose warped mentality means they remain willing to use violence to advance their agenda.The Police Service of Northern Ireland has our full support in tackling the NIRT threat. The UK Government has provided £160 million over the last five years in Additional Security Funding and has pledged a further £32 million in this financial year.Paramilitary groups (both loyalist and republican) continue to cause harm, including through brutal attacks against members of their own communities in an attempt to exert control. This Government remains steadfast in supporting ​efforts led by the Northern Ireland Executive to tackle paramilitarism.We have contributed £25 million of match funding to this area over the last five years and have committed a further £5 million for this financial year and £10 million over three years specifically to support the Communities in Transition project.

Veterans: Northern Ireland

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he plans to publish legislative proposals on ending vexatious claims against Northern Ireland veterans to ensure that there is equal treatment of Northern Ireland veterans and those who served overseas as outlined in his Written Statement of 18 March 2020, Addressing Northern Ireland Legacy Issues, HCWS 168.

Mr Robin Walker: The Government has been clear that it will bring forward legislation to address the legacy of the Troubles that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims, and ends the cycle of investigations. We are engaging with a wide range of stakeholders as part of this process and are committed to making progress as quickly as possible.

New Deal for Northern Ireland

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what allocations have been made from New Deal for Northern Ireland funding to date.

Mr Robin Walker: The Government is firmly committed to strengthening the Union, Northern Ireland’s place within it and driving forward economic growth and prosperity into the future. The £400m New Deal package of funding announced in December 2020, will boost economic growth as well as increasing Northern Ireland’s competitiveness and investment in infrastructure. This builds on the commitment articulated in the Government’s 10 May 2020 Command Paper, The UK’s approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol. The New Deal funding is additional to Northern Ireland’s Barnett share, demonstrating the Government’s firm commitment to Northern Ireland’s economy, and recognising the unique position of Northern Ireland following the UK’s exit from the European Union and the implementation of the Protocol on the ground in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced on 8 March 2020 that nearly half of the £400m New Deal funding had now been allocated. This includes £23m having been made available to the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy to invest £15m over three years in skills, and £8m over two years to promote trade and investment in Northern Ireland from overseas markets. The other allocations made so far will develop systems that will support the movement of agrifood products between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to be delivered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and to build resilience in medicine supply chains, with the Department of Health and Social Care in the lead to deliver on this priority work. We will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive to maximise opportunities this funding offers and further decisions will be made in due course on how the remainder of this fund will be allocated.

Department of Health and Social Care

Food: Advertising

Andrew Lewer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on the potential effect of a six month implementation period on businesses following the proposed introduction of restrictions on the promotion and placement of products that are high in fat, salt and sugar.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Dr Kieran Mullan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress he is making on increasing the proportion of lateral flow tests being used that are UK-made.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

NHS: Procurement

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what Supply Chain Coordination Ltd's policy is on the procurement of products and services where the production has involved child labour; when that policy was introduced; and whether the Category Tower Service Providers are mandated to follow that policy.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

NHS: Protective Clothing

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish details of contracts with Ansell Ltd for the supply of personal protective equipment to the NHS, including (a) when those contracts were awarded and (b) when they will expire.

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish details of contracts with Supermax Healthcare Ltd for the supply of personal protective equipment to the NHS, including (a) when those contracts were awarded and (b) when they will expire.

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish details of contracts with Aurelia Ltd for the supply of personal protective equipment to the NHS, including (a) when those contracts were awarded and (b) when they will expire.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to further extend the contract with Serco for NHS test and trace; and whether a further extension will breach the maximum value as stated in the original contract.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the cost to the public purse is of the contract with Serco for NHS test and trade for the (a) initial 14-week period and (b) all subsequent extensions of that contract.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Health Services: South Yorkshire

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of changes to the Integrated Care System boundary in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw on (a) services, (b) patient wellbeing and (c) staff.

Edward Argar: NHS England and NHS Improvement are currently undertaking this boundary review exercise and no final decisions have yet been made. As this work progresses, engagement with local areas will take place including with National Health Service bodies, local authorities and other stakeholders in the affected areas in order to appropriately assess any potential effects a change of integrated care system boundaries in an area may have, this will include consideration of any potential impact on services, patient wellbeing and staff.

Nurses: Vacancies

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to contact NHS nurses on maternity leave to request their assistance in filling vacancies.

Helen Whately: The family leave guidance published by NHS Employers in October 2020 sets out what an employer may consider should a member of staff who is currently on family leave -maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave - indicate that they would like to return to work early or for a period of time to support the National Health Service during the pandemic.Employers will need to carry out a risk assessment and provide appropriate facilities in accordance with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 for any employee returning from a period of maternity leave, in particular mothers who are breastfeeding.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation: advice on priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination, published on 2 December 2020, whether the effect on the families of clinically extremely vulnerable patients has been included in the modelling determining the priority level of that group of people to receive the vaccine.

Jo Churchill: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) reviewed evidence, including from OpenSAFELY, QCOVID, and mathematical modelling from the University of Warwick, when determining the priority groups for COVID-19 vaccine. Current evidence indicates that the single greatest risk for mortality from COVID-19 is increasing age and that the risk increases rapidly with age. The modelling work by Warwick University is available at the following link: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.09.22.20194183v2 Many of those who are clinically extremely vulnerable are in the oldest age groups and will be among the first to receive the vaccine. The JCVI recognises that individuals considered extremely clinically vulnerable have been shielding for much of the pandemic and this meant that available data are likely to underestimate the risk in this group. Considering data from the first wave of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, the overall risk of mortality for clinically extremely vulnerable younger adults was estimated to be roughly the same as the risk to persons aged 70–74 years old. The prioritisation is based on the absolute risk of mortality, which evidence indicates is higher in those over 75 years of age, than in those considered clinically extremely vulnerable. The capacity of clinically extremely vulnerable patients to shield and the effect on the families of clinically extremely vulnerable patients were not included in the mathematical modelling considered by the JCVI. This was however considered in the decision to prioritise clinically extremely vulnerable individuals alongside those aged 70-74 years of age. Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are in the third priority group for vaccination, as advised by the JCVI.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of using (a) bingo halls and (b) other currently unoccupied venues for the administration of the covid-19 vaccine.

Nadhim Zahawi: The National Health Service is grateful for the support that businesses have offered and is in the process of establishing vaccination centres across the country that can manage the logistical challenge of needing to store the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at an appropriate temperature. Our approach, with three delivery models – community teams, vaccination sites, and hospital hubs – has been devised to be flexible and reach all parts of the country. The phased vaccination programme - which began on 8 December 2020 with hospital hubs - will be expanded over the coming weeks and months to include local vaccination services and largescale vaccination centres across the country. More than 730 vaccination sites have already been established across the UK and hundreds more are opening this week to take the running total to over 1,000.

Heart Diseases: Coronavirus

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of (a) delays to people seeking care and (b) reduced access to routine tests and treatments during the covid-19 outbreak on the number of excess deaths from heart and circulatory disease among people aged under 65.

Jo Churchill: No assessment has yet been made of impact on the number of excess deaths from heart and circulatory disease among people aged under 65 due to delays to people seeking care and reduced access to routine tests and treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Services: Rehabilitation

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to improve rehabilitation services for patients through the (a) NHS Constitution and (b) NHS Long Term Plan.

Jo Churchill: There are presently no plans to make a single person accountable for rehabilitation provision.In 2016, NHS England and NHS Improvement published guidance for clinical commissioning groups and other organisations on commissioning accessible, high-quality rehabilitation services that meet the needs of their local population. The guidance is available at the following link:www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rehabilitation-comms-guid-16-17.pdfAs part of the Government’s continued commitment to ensure high-quality, accessible rehabilitation services for patients, NHS England and NHS Improvement have commenced work on updating this guidance. This has included engagement with professional bodies’ clinicians, alongside other stakeholders, societies and third sector organisations who represent the patient voice.

Nurses

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the support available to nursing staff working in the independent sector; and what comparative assessment he has made of the level of access to physical health and mental well-being initiatives between nurses working in the (a) independent sector and (b) NHS.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that covid-19 quarantine hotels (a) make halal food available for Muslim guests and (b) help those guests observe Ramadan.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Coronavirus

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to reduce the cost of PCR tests required for travel.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Dermatology

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve dermatology waiting times; and whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the collection of waiting times data in dermatology.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Dermatology

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what additional support his Department is providing to dermatology services in 2021.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Dermatology

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for his policies of the 23 recommendations in the Dermatology Getting it right first time Programme National Specialty Report: Proposed Recommendations, published on 15 September 2020.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Suicide

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve mental health support to reduce levels of suicide in (a) South West London and (b) England.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Dermatology

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the timetable is for publishing the Getting It Right First Time dermatology national specialty report.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Contact Tracing: Computer Software

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2021 to Question 134587 on Contact Tracing: Computer Software, for what reason the Government is not planning to re-design the NHS covid-19 contact tracing app for it to work on older iPhone models; and what recent steps the Government has taken to increase uptake of the covid-19 contact tracing app since 20 January 2021.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department's Lateral Flow Device Specificity in Phase 4 (Post Marketing) Surveillance report, what steps he has taken to include the false-negative rate of lateral flow tests in his plans for the mass testing of asymptomatic individuals; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish a list of participating councils in the local test and trace scheme; what the (a) conditions and (b) timescale were of that pilot; and what the evaluation plan is for that scheme.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Weather

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans are in place to ensure that NHS emergency departments are prepared for Winter 2021-22.

Edward Argar: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Nurses

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS nurses there are in each region; and how many vacancies for NHS nurses there are in each region.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how long the contract with Serco for NHS test and trace has been extended beyond the initial 14-week period.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

NHS: Ventilators

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many ventilators were built by Dyson for the NHS; and how many of those ventilators were used.

Edward Argar: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

NHS: Procurement

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information he holds on Supply Chain Coordination Limited's policy on the procurement of products that contain cotton from Xinjiang, including (a) when that policy was introduced, (b) where that policy was stated and (c) whether the Category Tower Service Providers are mandated to follow that policy.

Edward Argar: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the relationship between the prevalence of covid-19 and the number of lateral flow tests required to be conducted on asymptomatic people to find a single positive covid-19 case; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate his Department has made of the rate of false negatives produced by lateral flow covid tests.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Health Services and Social Services: Staff

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) financial and (b) other steps his Department is taking to support the health and social care workforce in (i) Coventry, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) England during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

NHS: Protective Clothing

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish details of the contracts with Unispace Global Ltd to supply the NHS with personal protective equipment including (a) when those contracts were awarded and (b) when they will expire.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Business: Data Protection

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance the Government has provided to businesses to ensure effective data protection in the collection of customer information and data for covid-19 contact tracing purposes.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether people will receive penalties for not taking the (a) Day 2 and (b) Day 8 covid-19 tests under the Test to Release scheme due to delays in private test providers sending out test kits.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data his Department holds on the number of passengers who have not received a covid-19 test kit within agreed time frames from companies in the Government's approved list of private providers of covid-19 tests under the Test to Release for international travel regime.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that people who do not have a mobile device are able to check in at venues with the NHS covid-19 app.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Neurofibromatosis

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to (a) improve care for people affected by Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and (b) raise awareness of NF1 since the publication of the UK Rare Diseases Framework.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Dr Kieran Mullan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress he is making on procuring saliva tests to detect covid-19.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Travel

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the (a) scientific and (b) medical basis for the decision to include (i) Angola, (ii) Qatar and (iii) the UAE on the red list of travel ban countries.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Medicine: Education

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of ensuring that (a) student finance and (b) NHS bursaries are available for people who already have a degree who wish to study for an undergraduate (five-year) medicine degree.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what financial support his Department is providing to travellers on low incomes with limited savings that are required to pay for a managed quarantine hotel on returning to the UK from countries on the red list travel ban.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Members: Correspondence

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to respond to the letter dated 4 December 2020 from the hon. Member for West Lancashire, reference ZA54741, regarding a constituent's covid-19 test and personal data; and if he will assist that constituent in seeking a response from the head of NHS Test and Trace to a letter of the same reference number.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Ipswich Hospital: Colchester Hospital

Tom Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of the merger of Ipswich and Colchester hospitals on (a) the effectiveness of Ipswich hospital and (b) the adequacy of the services it provides to users in Ipswich.

Edward Argar: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Pre-school Education

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 22 March 2021 to Question 167938, on Coronavirus: Screening, how many covid-19 cases there have been in early years and nursery settings since March 2020.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department monitors in advance of adding or removing a company from the Government's approved list of providers for covid-19 testing.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2021 to Question 158899, and the letter from Baroness Harding and Mr David Williams CB to the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee dated 11 February 2021 outlining the cost per test at the testing site in Cwm, Marine Coillery, Ebbw Vale from October 2020 to December 2020, what the cost per test for that site was in each month since its opening in July 2020.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to ensure that the NHS covid-19 contact tracing app complies with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation on the retention of data.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data protection measures are in place for the NHS covid-19 contact tracing app.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the £1,750 quarantine fee paid by travellers goes towards accommodation costs.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the £1,750 quarantine fee paid by travellers goes towards security costs.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the £1,750 quarantine fee paid by travellers goes towards testing costs.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of the £1,750 quarantine fee paid by travellers goes towards sustenance costs.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many staff are working in hotels used for hotel quarantine; and of those how many have been vaccinated against covid-19.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Sam Tarry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason UK residents returning from abroad are required to pay for the two compulsory covid-19 tests that are required during the 10-day quarantine period.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

NHS Test and Trace

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of NHS Test and Trace emails sent to people have included technical errors in each of the last 12 weeks.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department made an assessment of the potential effect of his hotel quarantine policy on covid-19 (a) infection and (b) death rates in the UK prior to introducing that policy.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Neale Hanvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether there is a process in place to record informed consent for the unlicensed use of Innova lateral flow tests.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel Restrictions: Pakistan

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what criteria is used when deciding whether a country should be added to the covid-19 red list; and if he will publish the evidence used to determine that Pakistan meets that criteria.

Jo Churchill: Decisions to place countries, including Pakistan, on the ‘red list’ are taken by Ministers informed by evidence including the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s analysis as well as other relevant information about the risk of the spread of variant. The advice, evidence and methodology which informs these decisions relates to on-going development of Government policy and therefore cannot be published at this time.

Coronavirus: Travel

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the evidence used to inform the decisions on the update to the UK travel ban red list during the covid-19 outbreak that came into force on 9 April 2021.

Jo Churchill: Decisions to place countries on the ‘red list’ are taken by Ministers informed by evidence, including the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s analysis as well as other relevant information about the risk of the spread of variant.The advice, evidence and methodology which informs these decisions relates to on-going development of Government policy and therefore cannot be published at this time.

Travel: Quarantine

Sir Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of removing the requirement to quarantine following international travel for people who have received both doses of a vaccination on the transmission of covid-19.

Jo Churchill: The quarantine system is a risk based one, based on medical evidence. International travel, particularly to ‘red list’ countries, where there is a high risk of transmission of new variants of COVID-19, presents a danger to the public. This continues to be the case even when vaccinated. The Government is prioritising the prevention of new variants entering the country and the possibility of these being spread in the wider community. Individuals who have been vaccinated might nonetheless contract another variant, particularly while in ‘red list’ countries and spread it even if quarantining at home. This means it is vital to continue to follow the public health guidance and rules including the necessity of quarantining in hotels.

Travel: Quarantine

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the safety of travelling to covid-19 hotel quarantine settings for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Jo Churchill: Security escorts are available at airports and on coaches to ensure the necessary support is given to vulnerable people and to ensure that COVID-19 protocols are adhered to. They are able to help with any queries, concerns and assistance that is needed.

Travel: Coronavirus

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons the UK placed Qatar on the red list for travel.

Jo Churchill: Decisions to place on countries, including Qatar, on the ‘red list’ are taken by Ministers informed by evidence including the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s analysis as well as other relevant information about the risk of the spread of variant. The advice, evidence and methodology which informs these decisions relates to on-going development of Government policy and therefore cannot be published at this time.

Coronavirus: Travel Restrictions

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre on expanding the countries on the red list travel ban to include (a) Pakistan and (b) Bangladesh.

Jo Churchill: Decisions to add countries, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, to the ‘red list’ are taken by Ministers informed by evidence including the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s analysis as well as other relevant information about the risk of the spread of variant. The advice, evidence and methodology which informs these decisions relates to on-going development of Government policy and therefore cannot be published at this time.

Travel: Quarantine

Naz Shah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether there are exemptions from hotel quarantine requirements for people with a (a) medical family emergency or (b) bereavement.

Jo Churchill: There are very limited exemptions to the requirement to book, enter or leave managed quarantine if an individual has been in a ‘red list’ country at any point in the 10 days prior to their arrival into England. These exemptions are available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exemptions-from-managed-quarantine-for-medical-and-compassionate-reasons

Travel: Quarantine

Kate Osamor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to assist people who are unable to pay for the managed quarantined charge within the 12 months allowed by the deferred repayment plan.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons he has not exempted maritime key workers from covid-19 quarantine restrictions in line with previous exemptions so granted.

Jo Churchill: We have introduced an exemption for seamen and masters, maritime pilots and inspectors and surveyors of ships, where they have travelled to the United Kingdom in the course of their work and live in the UK, they do not need to self-isolate. If they live overseas, they must self-isolate in their accommodation while in England, except while undertaking the exempt activity or travelling as part of their work. They are permitted to enter the UK and do not need to quarantine in a Government approved hotel, even if they have been in any country on the travel ban ‘red list’ in the previous 10 days. This is to reflect the critical role that seafarers play in ensuring the continued supply of goods in and out of the UK.

Travel: Coronavirus

Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what evidential threshold will be used when reviewing the travel status of countries under the new traffic light system.

Jo Churchill: Travel status decisions are taken by Ministers informed by evidence including the Joint Biosecurity Centre’s analysis as well as other relevant information about the risk of the spread of variant. The advice, evidence and methodology which informs these decisions relates to on-going development of Government policy and therefore cannot be published at this time.

Travel: Quarantine

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason visitors to the UK from red list countries who are fully vaccinated against covid-19 are not able to quarantine at home.

Jo Churchill: The ‘red list’ is used for those countries that have been assessed as particularly high risk in respect of transmission of new variants of COVID-19. The Government is prioritising the prevention of new variants entering the country and the possibility of these being spread in the wider community. Individuals who have been vaccinated might nonetheless contract another variant, particularly while in ‘red list’ countries and spread it even if quarantining at home. This means it is vital to continue to follow the public health guidance and rules including the necessity of quarantining in hotels.

Coronavirus: Screening

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what delivery supplier is being used for the delivery of covid-19 PCR tests; and whether that contract was put out to tender.

Jo Churchill: The delivery supplier of polymerase chain reaction tests for home testing is Royal Mail Group. This contract was put out to tender.

Coronavirus: Homelessness

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2021 to Question 179681 on Coronavirus: Homelessness, what plans his Department has to expand its work with homelessness providers (a) to West Yorkshire and (b) across England.

Jo Churchill: We are engaging with local authorities and community-based service providers across England, including in West Yorkshire, to share the learning from the pilot work and offer support and gather and disseminate best practice. Each setting is different and we know that co-designed, tailored responses are needed in each locality and across different area of service provision within the homelessness sector.

Heart Diseases: Health Services

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions his Department has had with representatives from the cardiology workstream of the Getting it Right the First Time programme on the timetable for publishing that report.

Jo Churchill: cardiology workstream of the Getting it Right the First Time programme

Travel: Quarantine

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support is available for international travellers who enter the hotel quarantine system and who have specific exercise requirements as a result of a health condition.

Jo Churchill: The on-site security company at each quarantine hotel arranges exercise breaks, which are facilitated where possible. These are prioritised based on need, so people with a health requirement or families with children are prioritised.

Travel: Quarantine

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support is available for international travellers who enter the hotel quarantine system and who have a health condition which requires regular medical attention.

Jo Churchill: Medical staff are available at all quarantine hotels to attend to any guests who need medical attention.

Cancer: Coronavirus

Lee Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people who have missed cancer appointments as a result of the covid-19 outbreak in the last 12 months.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support is available for international travellers who enter the hotel quarantine system and who have a health condition that has specific dietary requirements.

Jo Churchill: Specific dietary requirements from travellers can be accommodated in quarantine hotels and should be notified by guests to the hotel management.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment his Department has made of the correlation between covid-19 infection and an increase in antibodies after contracting that virus.

Jo Churchill: For the vast majority of people, COVID-19 induces a robust antibody response to natural infection within three weeks, which persists through to around three to six months. People with recent COVID-19 infection experience greater antibody levels following one dose of vaccine than those without recent infection. Work is ongoing to determine whether antibodies generated against currently prevalent COVID-19 variants will also protect against new variants. The correlate of protection for COVID-19 is not known yet, but evidence to date suggests that the levels of antibody strongly correlate with protection against future infections.

Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Independent Review

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to Answer of 16 March 2021 to Question 166465, on Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review, if he will provide a timeframe for the further responses to that review.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Air Pollution

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will conduct an equalities impact assessment on the effect of (a) race and (b) gender on air pollution related illnesses.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Schools: Mental Health Services

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Department of Education's press release, £79 million to boost mental health support for children and young people, published on 5 March 2021, what plans his Department has to provide mental health and wellbeing support to schools that will not be covered by one of the new mental health support teams.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an estimate of the lost earnings of people needing to quarantine for longer than necessary under the Test to Release scheme due to delays in Government-approved private covid-19 test providers sending out tests.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Vaccination

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to promote NHS England guidance for (a) GPs, (b) vaccination centres and (c) health trusts on vaccinating people without an NHS number.

Nadhim Zahawi: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Wound Dressings

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of using smart bandages for treating wounds.

Edward Argar: The National Wound Care Strategy Programme (NWCSP) has been commissioned by NHS England to improve the prevention and care of pressure ulcers, lower limb ulcers and surgical wounds. Its mission is to implement a consistently high standard of wound care across England, reducing unnecessary variation, improving safety and by optimising patient experience and outcomes.To date, we are unaware of any robust research evidence to support the use of ‘smart bandages’ as a standard clinically and cost-effective therapeutic intervention but will continue to seek evidence about such potentially beneficial innovations.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the impact assessments carried out on the (a) covid-19 vaccines delivery programme and (b) vaccination sites in (i) Blackburn and (ii) Lancashire.

Nadhim Zahawi: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Peter Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what representations he has received on exempting maritime key workers from hotel covid-19 quarantine measures.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel Restrictions: Uruguay

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the evidential basis for including Uruguay on red list of travel ban countries; and when he plans to review that country's inclusion.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Members: Correspondence

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Halton of 22 January 2021 in respect of constituent Mr Higginson.

Edward Argar: We have no record of the hon. Member’s letter of 22 January 2021.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the covid-19 testing arrangements for international arrivals into the UK, what number and proportion of travellers received their Day 2 and Day 8 covid-19 test results within (a) 24 hours, (b) 48 hours and (c) 72 hours of returning those tests.

Jo Churchill: This information is not held centrally.

Coronavirus: Travel

Naz Shah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what comparative assessment he has made of the level of covid-19 infection arriving in the UK from (a) Pakistan and (b) other countries from people who have travelled abroad; and whether there are any reports of new variants of that infection from Pakistan.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Health and Social Care, what provision has been put in place to ensure that the wellbeing and safeguarding of people with pre-existing mental health conditions is protected while quarantining in hotels due to the covid-19 outbreak after international travel.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether covid-19 lateral flow testing swabs are coated in any chemical or other substance; and what assessment his Department has made of the safety of those testing swabs.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the cost to (a) the public purse and (b) individuals of hotel quarantining for covid-19.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Trodelvy

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will allow accelerated approval and access to the breast cancer drug Trodelvy, to treat people with serious metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the (a) epidemiological data and (b) formula used by the Government to determine which countries are placed on the red list for mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival at the UK border.

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the (a) epidemiological data and (b) formula used by the Government to determine the designation of (a) Tanzania, (b) South Africa and (c) Malawi on the red list for mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival at the UK border; and if he will publish the (a) data and (b) formula used by the Government to determine the non-designation of (i) Kenya, (ii) Ethiopia and (iii) Nigeria on that list.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Young People: Mental Health Services

Felicity Buchan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a public messaging to communicate that young people may access mental health support from their local authority in addition to within schools; and what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on a holistic strategy to support young people’s mental health.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to monitor the effectiveness of the proposed hotel quarantine policy; and what criteria his Department will use to determine whether to extend hotel quarantine requirements to (a) non high risk and (b) all countries.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Health Services: Weather

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many additional hospital beds the Government estimates will be available in winter 2021-22 compared to the previous winter.

Edward Argar: National Health Service bed capacity is not fixed and can be flexed to meet changes in demand. For winter 2021/22, demand remains uncertain due to factors including hospitalisations of patients with influenza or COVID-19. Last winter, hospitals opened significantly more beds than in previous years, including over 6,000 critical care beds.

Travel: Quarantine

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what scientific evidence he consulted prior to introducing the hotel quarantine policy; and if she will publish that evidence in full.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Suicide: Health Services

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people who have made a suicide attempt receive assistance in developing a safety plan that allows them to tackle their suicidal ideation effectively.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

General Practitioners: Mental Illness and Suicide

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that patients who visit their GP with (a) mental ill-health and (b) suicidal ideation are referred to third-sector organisations offering bespoke support.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on how many occasions the covid-19 variant 1.617 has been identified in tests in each week since 4 January 2021.

Jo Churchill: The following table shows the number of occasions COVID-19 variant B.1617 has been identified in tests in each week since 22 February 2021. There are no cases from sequenced positive tests prior to this date. Week BeginningCases22 February 202121 March 202168 March 20211115 March 20211822 March 20211929 March 2021305 April 20213312 April 20213319 April 20211Null2  Note:Data includes two cases which have not been matched to a Second Generation Surveillance System record and so no date exists. The date refers to the date of a positive test. There is approximately a one to two week lag between the point of a positive test to the sequenced results entering into the data feed.

Social Services: Protective Clothing

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending the provision of personal protective equipment free of charge to the care sector beyond March 2022.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Suicide

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate funding is made available from the public purse to help support the mental health of people who are suicidal.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We are investing an additional £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 in mental health services, with £57 million being invested in suicide prevention and suicide bereavement from 2019/20 to 2023/24. In addition, in March 2021 we published our Mental Health and Wellbeing Recovery Plan, setting out our response to the mental health impacts of the pandemic. Many of the actions in the Plan will support people at risk of self-harm or suicide. The plan is backed by an additional £500 million with £5million made available to support suicide prevention voluntary and community sector organisations in 2021/22.

Criminal Proceedings: Mental Illness

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Outcome Evaluation of the National Model for Liaison and Diversion, published by RAND Europe in April 2021, what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations to (a) increase capacity for onward referrals from Liaison and Diversion services and (b) develop approaches to support people who have multiple vulnerabilities but are not currently eligible for referral because no single vulnerability meets a required therapeutic threshold.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Department of Health and Social Care: Written Questions

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will answer (a) Question 147809 tabled on 1 February 2021 and (b) Question 175797 tabled on 25 March 2021 before the prorogation of Parliament.

Edward Argar: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what value of personal protective equipment the NHS has purchased in 2021 to date; and how much of that equipment was manufactured in the UK.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Childbirth: Ethnic Groups

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce disparities in childbirth outcomes between different ethnic minority groups.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We have established the Maternity Inequalities Oversight Forum to bring together experts to address the inequalities for women and babies from different ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic groups. Additionally, the Chief Midwifery Officer for England is leading work to understand why mortality rates are higher, consider evidence on what will reduce these rates and take action to improve equity in outcomes and experience of care for mothers and their babies.Under measures set out in the 2021/22 Planning Guidance, most women from black, Asian and mixed ethnicity backgrounds will be placed on a continuity of carer pathway by March 2022. This will ensure that thousands of women receive safe and personal maternity care, improve outcomes for both mother and baby and reduce health inequalities.

Bowel Cancer: Screening

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether NHS England and NHS Improvement have concluded their detailed modelling assessment of endoscopy capacity and demand within the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure people receive refunds from Government approved private covid-19 test providers in the event that those providers fail to provide Day 2 and Day 8 covid-19 tests in time under the Test to Release scheme.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Primary Health Care: Disability Aids

Holly Mumby-Croft: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of hoists in GP and Primary Care settings to ensure that patients with conditions that affect mobility are able to be examined.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice

Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to ensure continuity in the provision of palliative, respite, and end-of-life care to babies and infants at Zoe's Place Baby Hospice.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Travel Restrictions

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason Pakistan has been placed on the red list of travel ban countries.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Health Professions: Recruitment

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the long term recruitment of (a) nurses and (b) doctors.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many staff from his Department work in the quarantine Exemptions team as of 1 April 2021; and what the average number of staff working on shift within the Exemptions team is at (a) 6.00AM, (b) 12.00PM, (c) 6.00PM and (d) 12.00AM.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Simon Jupp: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to allow up to six visitors to a care home resident at any one time if that visit is outdoors as restrictions are eased during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: We published updated guidance on visiting in care homes on 22 April, which states every care home should ensure that each resident can nominate up to two named people who can have regular, indoor visits. Those residents with higher care needs can also nominate an ‘essential care giver’ who will have the same testing and personal protective equipment arrangements as care home staff so that they can also provide extra support, such as help with washing and dressing or eating well. We want to go further and allow more visitors, where the data tells us it is safe to do so.

Travel: Quarantine

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the list of medical conditions that would exempt an individual from the requirement to stay in a managed quarantine hotel on their return from a covid-19 red list country.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

General Practitioners: Coronavirus

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the health impacts of (a) cancelled in-person GP visits and (b) virtual or telephone appointments during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Employment: Coronavirus

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to make covid-19 testing available to employers and their workforces beyond the Summer of 2021.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Earwax: Medical Treatments

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what impact assessment his Department undertook on the removal of ear wax syringing as a core NHS service.

Edward Argar: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Health Services: Inspections

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 9 April 2021 to Question 168907 on Health Services: Inspections, what steps his Department plans to take to monitor compliance with the new Care Quality Commission guidelines on closed cultures.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent body with statutory responsibility for monitoring, inspecting and regulating services that provide regulated activities within health and social care, to ensure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. The CQC will therefore monitor compliance by providers of its guidelines on closed cultures.

Coronavirus: Fisheries

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on extending the pre-arrival negative covid-19 tests requirement to crews of foreign fishing boats landing their catches in English ports.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Health: Disadvantaged

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle health inequalities highlighted by the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

DNACPR Decisions: Coronavirus

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the extent of use of do not resuscitate orders for people with learning disabilities during the second wave of the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Eating Disorders

Dr Kieran Mullan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle eating disorders; and what plans his Department has to implement service improvements.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We remain committed to providing treatment based on an evidence-based model and to delivering the waiting time standard of 95% of children with an eating disorder to receive treatment within one week for urgent cases and within four weeks for routine cases. Since 2016, extra funding is being provided for children and young people's community eating disorder services every year, to continue to enhance the development of more than 70 new or improved community eating disorder teams covering the whole of the country In addition, under the NHS Long Term Plan, by 2023/24, we will invest almost £1 billion extra per year in community mental health care for adults with severe mental illness, such as eating disorders. A four-week waiting standard for adult community mental health services, including eating disorder services, is being piloted and considered as part of the clinically led review of National Health Service access standards. Further information on the definition of a potential standard will be shared in 2021/22 We have also announced that in 2021/22 the NHS will receive around an additional £500 million, which will support people with a variety of mental health conditions, including eating disorders. As part of this £79 million of this extra funding will be used to significantly expand children’s mental health services, including allowing 2,000 more children and young people to access eating disorder services and £58 million will be invested to bring forward the expansion of integrated primary and secondary care for adults with severe mental illness, including eating disorders.

Housing: Air Pollution

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he made of the effect on health of indoor air pollution caused by cooking; and steps he is taking to reduce pollution caused by cooking.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Mental Health Services: Wolverhampton

Stuart Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure the equitable distribution of mental health and wellbeing services across the city of Wolverhampton.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

NHS Trusts: Standards

Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many prosecutions the Care Quality Commission has brought against (a) Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and (b) all NHS trusts in England for failure to comply with the duty of candour in each year since those regulations came into force.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has brought no prosecutions against Nottingham University Hospitals Trust for failure to comply with duty of candour regulations.The CQC has brought one prosecution against an English NHS trust in September 2020. In addition, the CQC has taken criminal enforcement action via Fixed Penalty Notices issued to two trusts for failure to comply with duty of candour regulations in 2018 and 2019.

Mental Health Services: Coronavirus

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the Institute for Fiscal Studies report, The mental health effects of the first two months of lockdown and social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK, that young people, particularly young women, have experienced greater declines in their mental health than others during the pandemic; and what steps he is taking to support those groups.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will review Government guidance on exemptions to covid-19 hotel quarantine rules for people (a) in exceptional circumstances and (b) on compassionate grounds.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Mental Health Services: Coronavirus

Karin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the Health Foundation analysis that there will be 11 per cent more mental health service referrals a year for services in the next three years due to the covid-19 outbreak; and what steps he is taking in response to that matter.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Coronavirus

Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the data on the country of origin of inbound passengers testing positive for covid-19 up to 10 days after arrival in the UK in each week of the last three months, by variant of concern where possible.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Mental Health Services: Gay Conversion Therapy

Holly Mumby-Croft: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he has taken to make additional mental health support available to people seeking support after experiencing conversion therapy.

Ms Nadine Dorries: While we have not taken specific steps, access to mental health support is based on clinical need and the support a patient receives, including the type and number of interventions, is based on that need.

Coronavirus: Travel

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what performance metrics his Department plans to publish for private sector providers of rapid covid-19 testing services for international travel.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Pakistan: Travel

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how regularly he reviews the covid-19 red list travel status for Pakistan.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Pakistan: Travel Restrictions

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of families unexpectedly affected financially by the change to Pakistan's covid-19 travel status.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Coronavirus

Ed Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will waive the cost of covid-19 tests on compassionate grounds for people travelling internationally for (a) funerals, (b) caring duties and (c) medical reasons.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Coronavirus

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department makes of the transparency of nations' (a) covid-19 medical case rate reporting and (b) media freedom to discuss the covid-19 pandemic prior to making decisions on potential inclusion of those countries on the covid-19 acute risk list.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reasons a PCR covid-19 test required for travel is more expensive in the UK than in other European countries.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has been made of the capacity of the mandatory hotel quarantine system to accommodate incoming international students ahead of the 2021-22 academic year.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the cost of PCR tests kits are affordable for people on low incomes not currently claiming benefits.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Palliative Care

Wendy Chamberlain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for its policies of the findings of Marie Curie's Better End of Life report, published on 8 April 2021, and what plans he has to improve the resourcing of palliative and end of life care in the community.

Helen Whately: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Screening: Coronavirus

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason the Government requires social care workers entering the UK to pay for PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 after arrival when those tests are available to UK-based social care workers free of charge.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

DNACPR Decisions

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what NHS England's policy and guidelines are on applying Do Not Resuscitate orders to patients; and whether age is the primary factor taken into account.

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what NHS England's policy and guidelines are on applying Do Not Resuscitate orders to patients; and whether budgetary factors are taken into account.

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what NHS England's policy and guidelines are on applying Do Not Resuscitate orders to patients; and whether specific underlying health conditions are factors taken into account.

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what NHS England's policy and guidelines are on applying Do Not Resuscitate orders to patients; and what specific factors are taken into account when applying such an order.

Ms Nadine Dorries: NHS England and NHS Improvement clinical leaders have emphasised to health and care providers that Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions should only ever be made on an individual basis. The Department remains clear that inappropriate or blanket application of DNACPR decisions is unacceptable, whether due to medical condition, disability or age.Joint guidance for clinicians from the British Medical Association, the Resuscitation Council UK and Royal College of Nursing reflects that agreement to a DNACPR order is an individual decision and should involve the person concerned or, where the person lacks capacity, their families, carers, guardians or other legally recognised advocates.

Overseas Students: Quarantine

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he made of the potential merits of allowing incoming international students from red list countries to undertake their mandatory period of quarantine in university accommodation.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Pakistan: Travel Restrictions

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the methodology for placing Pakistan on the red list for travel.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

001Doctor.uk

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason 001 Doctors was removed from and then subsequently included in the Government's approved list of covid-19 test providers in the Test to Release scheme.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to investigate the reports of delayed PCR covid-19 tests from Latus Health; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Mental Health Services: Hospital Beds

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he made of the adequacy of the number of mental health beds in England; and what estimate he has made of waiting times to access those beds.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on what date and for what reason livecovidtesting were removed from the Government's approved list of covid-19 testing companies.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Podiatry: Staff

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the ability of the podiatry workforce to meet demand for services over the next (a) five years and (b) 10 years.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of people arriving in the UK who have entered covid-19 hotel quarantine as a proportion of total arrivals from red list countries since that quarantine measure was introduced.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of people arriving in the UK who have entered covid-19 hotel quarantine as a proportion of total arrivals since those quarantine measures were introduced.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of exempting people receiving haemodialysis treatment from covid-19 hotel quarantine requirements.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Naz Shah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will take steps to (a) prevent the hotel quarantine booking system from crashing, (b) ensure people receive a booking reference number pre-flight and (c) improve the accessibility of the call back service.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the quality of the testing service provided by Qured; how many complaints his Department has received on that company's service relating to covid-19 hotel quarantine; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Coronavirus

Anthony Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether funding is available for the costs of (a) covid-19 testing and (b) quarantine for children who are required to travel internationally by custody order.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether people who never received their covid-19 test kits from companies which were listed on gov.uk under the test to release scheme will be entitled to a refund.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the provision of a courier collection service for covid-19 testing companies is a requirement for inclusion on the Government's approved list of covid-19 testing companies for people returning to the UK from overseas.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Dental Services

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has plans to review the provision of NHS dentistry.

Jo Churchill: The Department has asked NHS England and NHS Improvement to work with the British Dental Association, to build on the learning from the dental contract reform programme to bring forward implementable proposals, and address the key challenges facing the delivery of National Health Service dentistry.

Travel: Quarantine

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether people affected by fraudulent companies claiming to be private providers of coronavirus testing listed on gov.uk under the test to release scheme will be entitled to a refund.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the public health regulations on quarantining when re-entering the UK from abroad, whether it is his policy that people are permitted to leave their homes to post their day two and day eight covid-19 tests.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the prevalence of fraudulent companies claiming to be providers of coronavirus testing listed on gov.uk under the test to release scheme.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Schools: Mental Health Services

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Department for Education's announcement of £79 million to boost mental health support for children and young people on 5 March 2021, what estimate he has made of the number of (a) schools and (b) students in London that will have access to a mental health support team following the announcement of that funding.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Coronavirus

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the cost of PCR tests for air passengers; and what assessment he has made of the effect of that cost on air passengers in financial difficulty.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to private providers of coronavirus testing for (a) test to release for international travel and (b) domestic covid-19 testing listed on gov.uk, what minimum standards those providers must declare before appearing on that list.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether pregnant women are exempt from the covid-19 hotel quarantine restrictions when they are travelling to the UK from a red list country for essential reasons.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Mental Health Services: Children and Young People

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much his Department has spent to date on the delivery of the proposals in the Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health green paper.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that people arriving in the UK for the purpose of seeing a relative before they pass away are not prevented from doing so as a result of response times within his Department's Exemptions team.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Coronavirus

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing free PCR covid-19 testing for partners of British nationals who are travelling from abroad to attend (a) pregnancy scans and (b) births.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data the Government holds on the professions of designated medical professionals stationed in covid-19 quarantine hotels in the UK.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many requests the covid-19 quarantine exemptions team receives on average each day; what proportion of those requests relate to (a) seeing dying relatives and (b) funerals; whether requests for exemption are triaged based on urgency; and what the average time taken is to consider and decide requests.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support his Department is providing to people trying to secure accommodation through the covid-19 hotel quarantine booking portal in response to increased demand for accommodation as a result of the increased size of the red list country list.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Travel

Darren Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason a covid-19 test for travel to France costs £219 each way when that travel is for a permitted reason, such as a family funeral.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Travel

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason his Department has removed .001 Doctor UK from the list of approved providers for day two and day eight covid-19 testing for travel; what due diligence was undertaken by his Department before providers were added to that list; and whether his Department is providing support to consumers who purchased covid-19 test packages from suppliers that are no longer recognised by the Government.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Naz Shah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what provisions his Department has put in place for Muslims who are required to stay in a covid-19 quarantine hotel during Ramadan.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what guidance his Department has provided to covid-19 quarantine hotels on the provision of food at different times for people observing Ramadan whilst staying in those hotels.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking with Corporate Travel Management to tackle the issue of travellers returning to the UK from covid-19 red list countries unable to book accommodation in a managed quarantine hotel.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in managed quarantine hotels to accommodate travellers who are returning from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel: Quarantine

Stuart C McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to (a) monitor the quality of (i) accommodation and (ii) food provided to people and families and (b) promote the welfare of children required to quarantine in hotels during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Procurement: Coronavirus

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress he is making on publishing the names of (a) companies which went through the high-priority lane for covid-19 contracts and (b) the people who referred those companies.

Jo Churchill: We have no plans to publish a list of suppliers as there may be associated commercial implications. The Department has to consider the position of suppliers in terms of the recognition that disclosure of their names may damage the supplier’s reputation, affecting their competitive position and could have a potentially detrimental impact on their revenue. We also have no plans to publish the names of those who referred those companies as this would make it less likely that individuals would provide the Department with commercially sensitive information in the future and consequently undermine the ability of the Department to fulfil its commercial role. Contract Award Notices and the contracts themselves have now been published for all personal protective equipment contracts awarded by the Department which contain the details of the supplier, the value of the contract and the items ordered under the contract.

Suicide: Health Services

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the families of people with suicidal ideation have access to specialist advise and support.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Travel Restrictions

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has he made of the potential effect of Pakistan's red list travel status on the British-Pakistani community.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Brain: Injuries

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) serving personnel and (b) veterans have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury in the last 10 years.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Suicide: Health Services

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the efficacy of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) scheme; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the family members of people with suicidal ideation have access to ASIST training.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Mental Illness and Suicide

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve the working relationship between the NHS and third-sector organisations that offer bespoke support to people with mental ill-health and suicidal ideation.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Travel

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to reduce the cost of covid-19 home test kits for travellers entering the UK.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Travel

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that covid-19 tests are available for people returning to the UK following international travel.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

001Doctor.uk

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he make an urgent assessment of the quality of the services provided by the company, 001Doctor.uk, listed on the Government’s website as a provider of tests under the Government’s quarantine procedures.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that companies listed on the Government’s website as a provider of covid-19 tests under the Government’s quarantine procedures are not acting in a fraudulent manner.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Suicide: Health Services

Mick Whitley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that relevant health professionals have the requisite training necessary to assist patients with suicidal ideation to develop a safety plan.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Screening

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to tackle failures by companies that are required to deliver covid-19 tests under the Government’s quarantine procedures to deliver those tests.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Coronavirus: Republic of Ireland

Carla Lockhart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Irish Government on the sharing of passenger locator form information for people arriving into the Irish Republic from high risk covid-19 areas.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Travel Restrictions: Quarantine

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, will scientific advice he received prior to the decision that travellers from certain countries will need to enter a quarantine hotel upon arrival in the UK.

Jo Churchill: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before prorogation.

Baroness Harding of Winscombe

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the diary of Baroness Harding of Winscombe, in her role as Executive Chair of Test and Trace from the date of her appointment.

Jo Churchill: To obtain the information requested and publish Baroness Harding's complete diary would incur disproportionate cost.

Nitrous Oxide: Misuse

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a public awareness campaign on the health dangers of nitrous oxide use.

Jo Churchill: No assessment has been made. FRANK, the government’s drug information and advisory website, provides information on a wide range of drugs including nitrous oxide. It covers the risks of using nitrous oxide, including the risks of mixing it with alcohol. It also signposts users to support services and provides a 24 hour free-to-use confidential helpline, text and email message services and online chat.

Brain: Tumours

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will increase funding for brain tumour research in the current Parliament.

Edward Argar: The level of funding in the current Parliament for brain tumour research is dependent on funding applications received. We are looking to researchers to submit higher quality applications into the system, so that research funding can be directed to this very difficult area.In May 2018 the Government announced £40 million over five years for brain tumour research as part of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including brain tumours. The NIHR released a public announcement to the research community in April 2018, making clear our desire to receive brain tumour research funding applications.

Department of Health and Social Care: Written Questions

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to provide a substantive Answer to Question 148889, tabled on 3 February 2021 by the hon. Member for Slough.

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to provide a substantive Answer to Question 148888, tabled on 3 February 2021 by the hon. Member for Slough.

Edward Argar: I refer the hon. Member to the answers to Questions 148888 and 148889.

Nurses: Training

Kate Hollern: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support his Department is providing to mitigate the (a) financial and (b) educational costs to nursing students who opted in to work in the NHS during the first wave of the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: All nursing students in England who opted in to paid placements during the first wave of COVID-19 maintained their eligibility for relevant student support packages from the Student Loans Company, in addition to non-repayable funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund. Those students also received a salary and automatic National Health Service pension entitlement at the appropriate band.Health Education England continues to work with system partners to ensure any impact on training and placements is minimised; including supporting universities to rearrange interrupted clinical placements and finding alternatives such as using simulation where that is appropriate. In cases where extensions to students’ courses are unavoidable, the Government will continue to ensure that appropriate financial support is made available to affected students.

Social Services: Finance

Ed Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that his Department implements an increase in annual social care funding of £3.9 billion by 2023–24 to meet demographic changes and planned increases in the National Living Wage.

Helen Whately: We are providing councils with access to over £1 billion of additional funding for social care in 2021-22 on top of the significant support provided over the last year to support the sector to deal with COVID-19.This funding is designed to ensure key pressures are met, including demographic changes and increases in the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage. Funding decisions on social care beyond 2021-22 will be decided at the next Spending Review.

Social Services: Finance

Christian Wakeford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether there a national funding formula in place for social care.

Helen Whately: The Government uses the Adult Social Care Relative Needs Formula to allocate funding to each local authority. The formula was used to distribute the new Social Care Grant in 2021/22.

Autism: Research

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of increasing funding for autism research.

Helen Whately: The Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) spent £19,476,890 on autism research from 2014/2015 to 2018/2019 and recently announced a three-year funding partnership with Autistica, the United Kingdom’s national autism research charity, to fund five research projects on safe and effective social care to enable autistic people to live happy, healthy and long lives. The Department will publish a new autism strategy for children, young people and adults in May 2021. The purpose of the strategy is to improve the care, treatment and life chances of autistic people by supporting them throughout their lives. During its first year, we will develop a research action plan, setting out actions we will take to improve autism research and embed a culture of autism research by 2026.

Asthma: Health Services

Liz Twist: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that patients who were first made aware of their severe asthma via shielding letters received in 2020 have been seen in a specialist asthma clinic.

Liz Twist: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the finding by Asthma UK that one in every five severe asthma patients receive a referral, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that patients with severe asthma receive timely referrals to specialist care.

Jo Churchill: Information on patients who were first made aware of their severe asthma via shielding letters is not held centrally. However, respiratory disease is a national clinical priority in the NHS Long Term Plan. NHS England and NHS Improvement are working in close partnership with patients and partners, including the British Lung Foundation, and are developing and implementing policy on provisions of respiratory services in England.NHS England and NHS Improvement’s Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) programme supported by the severe asthma toolkit, is increasing treatment adherence, biologic choice, optimising multidisciplinary teams and has been shared widely with the severe asthma clinical community. The AAC programme for severe asthma biologics has increased uptake of asthma drugs including ones covered by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s Technology Appraisals where it has been identified that there is suboptimal uptake.

Medical Treatments

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the changes needed in (a) NICE, (b) NHS England and NHS Improvement health technology approval processes and (c) NHS England’s commercial policy to improve access to and uptake of new medicines and vaccines; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing authoritative, evidence-based recommendations for the NHS on whether new medicines represent a clinically and cost-effective use of resources. The NHS in England is legally required to fund medicines recommended through a NICE appraisal. As NICE is an independent body, it is responsible for the methods and processes it uses in the assessment of health technologies.New commercial flexibilities and support structures have been introduced to support access and uptake of transformative medicines, including the publication of NHS England and NHS Improvement’s Commercial Framework which sets out the new commercial flexibilities available to the most clinically and cost-effective new treatments. Drawing on these commercial flexibilities, a host of innovative commercial deals have been agreed with NHS England and NHS Improvement and NICE in recent years, providing United Kingdom patients with access to the best value new treatments.

Coronavirus: Contact Tracing

Neale Hanvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he was first made aware that Track and Trace activity was not automatically triggered by a positive lateral flow test; what steps his Department took in response to that matter; how many positive lateral flow test results were not referred to contact tracers; and what steps his Department is taking to (a) assess the risk of unchecked community transmission as a result of that matter (b) trace those people who were close contacts of someone who received a positive lateral flow test.

Jo Churchill: Contact tracing following a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test commenced on 27 January 2021 in England for LFD tests carried out in supervised conditions, in view of increased prevalence of COVID-19. Prior to this, contact tracing commenced following a positive confirmatory polymerase chain reaction test after a positive LFD test.Data is not currently held on the number of positive LFD tests not referred to contact tracers for the period before 27 January. There are no plans to carry out a separate assessment of the implications for community transmission, as this is monitored on an ongoing basis. Nor are there plans to trace contacts of people who had a positive LFD test from this time.

Neuromuscular Disorders: Children

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how he plans to use the Government’s response to the Early years’ healthy development review consultation to help improve health outcomes for children with (a) cerebral palsy and (b) other neuro disabilities.

Jo Churchill: NHS England and NHS Improvement will be meeting in due course to consider the recommendations to improve early detection and treatment pathways for cerebral palsy set out in the report.

Health Services: British Nationals Abroad

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress has been made on negotiations with Spain on extending the S1 healthcare scheme for pensioners who had not moved to Spain before the end of the transition period.

Edward Argar: The Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom came into force on 1 January 2021. The agreement allows eligible pensioners and their family members to continue to have their healthcare costs covered by the UK should they move to the EU. This means that the UK is continuing the benefits of the S1 healthcare scheme for eligible pensioners who move to an EU Member State, including Spain, after the end of the transition period.

Members: Correspondence

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for West Lancashire on DIY Abortion dated 26 February 2021, reference ZA55783.

Edward Argar: We replied to the hon. Member on 28 April 2021.

Health Visitors

Sarah Owen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of face-to-face health visits for new parents during the covid-19 outbreak; if he will allocate additional resources to increase the number of health visitors; and if he will provide additional support to new parents during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: Health visitors have continued to provide support throughout the pandemic through a blended approach consisting of face-to-face and virtual visits, making a professional judgement on what sort of appointment is best for each family. Local authorities are best placed to make decisions on workforce based on local need. New parents are offered five universal health and wellbeing reviews during the first two and a half years of a child’s life where health visitors provide tailored support and can signpost parents to additional services as required.

Weather: Older People

Lee Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to protect the elderly and the vulnerable in the run up to winter 2021-22.

Edward Argar: The Government is committed to supporting the elderly and the vulnerable in society ahead of winter through offering a free seasonal flu vaccination to those over 65 years old and increased funding for National Health Service and adult social care services. We announced a further £6.6 billion funding for NHS services on 18 March 2021 and councils have access to £1 billion of additional funding for social care in 2021-22.This year there is continued risk from COVID-19. Everybody in cohorts one to nine, which includes those aged 50 years old and over and the clinically vulnerable, have now been offered a COVID-19 vaccine and the Government has published guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Health Professions: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what long-term support he is providing to nurses and clinicians diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: The National Health Service has established a network of mental health hubs to support staff. These will provide a proactive outreach and assessment service and ensure staff receive rapid access to evidence based mental health services where needed. There will be 40 hubs in England, with 31 already operational and a further nine available soon. We invested £15 million in the hubs last autumn and a further £37 million has been made available for 2021/22 to enable the continuation of this offer. This funding will also support nurse advocacy training to critical care nurses to enable the implementation of restorative clinical supervision in all critical care settings. It will be invested in a national support service for staff with more complex needs, such as trauma or addictions, delivered by NHS Practitioner Health.

Functional Neurological Disorder

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure the collection of data on the number of patients who are diagnosed with functional neurological disorder within the NHS.

Helen Whately: People with functional neurological disorder (FND) are likely to be diagnosed under a local clinical commissioning group care pathway and therefore any data would only be collected a local level. There are presently no specific plans to further ensure the collection of data on the number of patients with FND.

Health Services: Autism and Learning Disability

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether every local authority area has a Transforming Care Lead; and whether that information is publicly available.

Helen Whately: We do not hold this information centrally.A Transforming Care Partnership may include several local authorities, as well as being made up of National Health Service clinical commissioning groups and NHS England’s specialised commissioners.

Palliative Care: Babies

Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to increase regional availability of palliative, respite, and end-of-life care to babies and infants by supporting the establishment of more baby and infant-specific hospices.

Helen Whately: Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are responsible for the commissioning of end of life and palliative care services. CCGs develop strategic clinical plans covering a wide range of health care services based on their local population needs. This includes specialised care for babies and infants with complex needs at children’s hospices.Within the NHS Long Term Plan, NHS England is increasing its contribution to the national children’s hospice grant by match-funding CCGs who commit to increase their investment in local children’s palliative and end of life care services including children’s hospices. This will increase funding from £11 million to a combined total of £25 million a year by 2023/24.

Disability: Children

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report by the Disabled Children's Partnership, entitled The loneliest lockdown, published in March 2021, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the finding in that report that 90 per cent of children feel socially isolated.

Helen Whately: No specific assessment has been made. However, we are continuing to carefully consider the specific risks and impacts that disabled people, including disabled children, face as a result of the pandemic and put in place the necessary mitigations to protect and support them.During 2020/21 we allocated £3.6 million to voluntary and community sector organisations to support autistic people, people with a learning disability and disabled people, including disabled children and their families, throughout the pandemic. This funded services providing direct, practical support for their physical and mental wellbeing, including learning and play opportunities for disabled children to help combat social isolation.

Health Services: Learning Disability

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of covid-19 lockdown restrictions on people in Assessment and Treatment Units and other closed culture environments.

Helen Whately: We have not made a specific assessment.

Disability: Children

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps he has taken to support disabled children and their parents in (a) Slough and (b) the South East who have felt socially isolated as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: We are looking carefully at how we can support disabled children and their families across the whole country, including in Slough and the South East. During 2020/21 we allocated £3.6 million to voluntary sector organisations nationally to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of autistic people, people with a learning disability, disabled people, including disabled children and their families impacted by COVID-19, by funding services providing direct, practical support. The funding covered services offered throughout the pandemic including supporting the emotional and mental wellbeing of disabled people through online courses and wellbeing calls to reduce isolation, as well as learning and play opportunities specifically for disabled children.

Kidney Diseases: Young People

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support he is making available to young people on dialysis to improve their mental health.

Helen Whately: NHS England and NHS Improvement published a national paediatric renal service specification in 2013 which sets out national standards for renal services including the importance of psychological support for children and is available at the following link: www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/e03-paedi-medi-renal.pdf In addition, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guideline ‘Renal replacement therapy and conservative management’, contains recommendations on how clinicians can support young people with dialysis and refer them to services, including clinical psychologists or psychiatrists where appropriate. The guideline is available at the following link:www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng107

NHS: Staff

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of offering mindfulness to NHS staff.

Helen Whately: From the onset of the pandemic, staff in the National Health Service have been able to access for free a range of mental health and wellbeing apps, which have included mindfulness and meditation.

Hospices: Finance

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has plans to increase statutory funding for clinical palliative care services provided by independent hospices.

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of levels of statutory funding for palliative care services provided by independent hospices for meeting projected future demand for those services.

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will commit to an urgent review into the level of statutory funding required for palliative care provided by independent hospices to ensure that those hospices can continue to provide care in the medium term.

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the level of projected future demand for clinical palliative care services; and whether his Department has plans to increase funding to meet that future demand.

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of statutory funding for palliative care services provided by independent hospices.

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the value to the public purse of palliative care services provided by independent hospices.

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the level of statutory funding that is required for palliative care services provided by independent hospices to continue to provide care in the medium term.

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to take steps to increase the proportion of statutory funding that is allocated to palliative care services provided by independent hospices.

Helen Whately: The Government recognises the importance of palliative and end of life care services, including hospices. The hospice sector has played a vital role in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic which is reflected by the provision of up to £280 million of additional funding from March 2020 to March 2021.The Department and NHS England and NHS Improvement proactively engage with the whole sector on an ongoing basis to understand the issues they face and their views of upcoming needs and challenges. Most hospices are independent, charitable organisations that receive some statutory funding, mainly from clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) for providing local services. CCGs are responsible for the planning and commissioning of high-quality, cost-effective services that meet the needs of their local population.NHS England and NHS Improvement have developed Palliative and End of Life Care Strategic Clinical Networks, working closely with local commissioners, to develop and implement sustainable commissioning models for palliative and end of life care including hospice services that respond to the needs of their local population. This work includes the development of service specifications and an investment framework.

NHS: Protective Clothing

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made for the implications of his policies on PPE contract renewal of the potential for modern slavery practices in NHS PPE supply chains.

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has (a) terminated contracts relating to, or (b) taken steps to assess reports of modern slavery practices in the NHS PPE supply chain.

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of NHS PPE procurement with relation to modern slavery practices.

Jo Churchill: The Government’s guidance advises public sector contracting authorities on how to assess suppliers in terms of mitigating the risk of modern slavery. Contracts are normally placed in line with Departmental terms and conditions which include clauses requiring Good Industry Practice to ensure that there is no slavery or human trafficking in supply chains. Suppliers appointed to NHS Supply Chain frameworks must comply with the Labour Standards Assurance System or they can be removed from consideration for future opportunities. The Department takes all allegations of modern slavery very seriously. Throughout the response to the pandemic the Department has engaged with the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regarding modern slavery issues. In the event that allegations of modern slavery are substantiated in relation to a Departmental supplier we will consider all available options. There have been no cases of this to date. In the September 2020 personal protective equipment (PPE) strategy, the Department advised that by 1 December 2020, the amount of PPE that is United Kingdom-made would be sufficient to meet 70% of the expected demand for PPE over the following three months.UK-made supply comprised 82% of the expected demand for PPE in England for the period 1 December 2020 to 28 February 2021. This figure does not include gloves, which were explicitly excluded from the September target.

Social Services: Disability and Mental Illness

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate the Government has made of the number of increased care bills issued by local authorities in England to disabled and mentally ill adults in the last 12 months; and what assessment he has made of the social impact of those additional charges.

Helen Whately: The Government has made no such estimate and no assessment has been made.In charging for care, local authorities must follow the Care and Support (Charging and Assessment of Resources) 2014 Regulations and have regard to the Care and Support statutory guidance. Where additional support is needed, the local authority can be asked to carry out a financial assessment review to ensure the right level of income is retained to meet needs that are not being met by the local authority.

NHS Trusts: Staff

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure that NHS Trusts (a) financially support NHS staff who have to take unpaid leave to look after dependents that have to isolate as a result of covid-19 contact tracing; and (b) make retrospective payments to those key workers for time they have to take off unpaid for those purposes during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: We are working to ensure all National Health Service employees feel supported during the pandemic and have worked with NHS Employers on publishing guidance to help employers adapt to the challenges COVID-19 has presented for their staff. For those who are having to take time away from work due to their child’s requirement to self-isolate, the guidance states that employers should be as supportive and flexible as possible.The guidance is being regularly updated to ensure it reflects the current situation and is available at the following link:https://www.nhsemployers.org/covid19/staff-terms-and-conditions/staff-terms-and-conditions-faqs/pay

Care Homes: Visits

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what well-being impact assessment was conducted for the Government guidance on visits out of care homes for care home residents.

Helen Whately: Before publishing updated guidance on visiting care homes on 22 April, we considered the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duty as set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. Our guidance on visiting in and visiting out seeks to balance the known health and wellbeing benefits to residents of visits with the need to protect individuals from the risk to life posed by COVID-19.

Care Homes: Visits

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the evidential basis is for his policy that care home residents returning from visits out must self-isolate for 14 days on their return; and for what reason this is not in line with the 10 day self-isolation period for people who have come into contact with a person with covid-19.

Helen Whately: A 14-day period of isolation is recommended for residents in care homes as these are a particularly vulnerable group, living in a setting at risk of experience an outbreak of COVID-19 if the virus is introduced. Based on their clinical vulnerability and the potential for longer incubation periods for care home residents, Public Health England recommended that the 14-day isolation period should remain unchanged when the new 10-day self-isolation period for contacts of those testing positive for COVID-19 was established.

Palliative Care

Wendy Chamberlain: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will respond to the finding of Marie Curie’s report of 8 April 2021, Better End of Life Report 2021, that stated there were more deaths at home throughout 2020, not just during the pandemic peaks; and what plans his Department has to investigate the quality of care received by people who died at home during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: We know that as a result of the pandemic, there was an unprecedented increase in the number of deaths overall in 2020 and an increase in the proportion of those dying at home. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the body with statutory responsibility for monitoring, inspecting and regulating services that provide regulated activities within health and social care, to ensure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety.Palliative care providers, including those for people at the end of their lives receiving care at home, are routinely inspected by the CQC and assessed on the quality of palliative care they provide. During the pandemic the CQC suspended routine inspections to reduce the pressure on health and social care services but continued to monitor providers using a range of information, including feedback from people that use services and their families. However, if information of significant concern was received the CQC continued to undertake physical inspections to ensure people that use services were safe.

Health Services: Autism and Learning Disability

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of appointing a Lead Commissioner to oversee the implementation of the Transforming Care Programme and the discharge of autistic people and people with learning disabilities from Assessment and Treatment Units.

Helen Whately: We have made no such assessment.The Department is responsible for driving forward the programme with delivery partners across health and social care.

Pregnancy: Coronavirus

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that pregnant women are offered the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna covid-19 vaccine.

Nadhim Zahawi: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) are the independent body made up of scientific and clinical experts who advise the Government on which vaccines the United Kingdom should use and provide advice on prioritisation at a population level.The Government has accepted the JCVI's advice, updated on 19 April, which now indicates that women who are pregnant should be offered vaccination at the same time as non-pregnant women, based on their age and clinical risk group. Clinicians should discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with the woman, who should be told about the limited evidence of safety for the vaccine in pregnancy. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are the preferred vaccines for pregnant women of any age, because of more extensive experience of their use in pregnancy. Pregnant women who commenced vaccination with Oxford/AstraZeneca are advised to complete with the same vaccine.Pregnant women may wish to contact their general practitioner, who will identify the available vaccination centres where the person is able to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. If a woman finds out she is pregnant after she has started a course of vaccine, she may complete vaccination during pregnancy using the same vaccine product unless contra-indicated. Alternatively, vaccination should be offered as soon as possible after pregnancy.

Tobacco

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Tobacco Control Plan will take into account the conclusions of the consultation on the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015, published on 29 January 2021.

Jo Churchill: The Tobacco Control Plan will take into account the conclusions of the Post Implementation Review of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015. We are also considering whether other regulatory measures are required to support the Smokefree 2030 target.

Electronic Cigarettes

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Public Health England evidence review on e-cigarettes and other novel nicotine delivery systems will be published in time for its conclusions to be taken into account in the forthcoming Tobacco Control Plan.

Jo Churchill: Public Health England (PHE) published its seventh commissioned report on vaping in February 2021. The conclusions of this report and all previous reports will be considered as part of the scoping for the new Tobacco Control Plan. PHE’s eighth report is expected in March 2022.

Tobacco

Sir Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to bring (a) tobacco pouches and (b) nicotine pouches within the scope of the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations 2016; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: Tobacco pouches are illegal under the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations 2016 (TRPR) (Regulation 17) which states that no person may produce or supply tobacco for oral use in the United Kingdom. Nicotine pouches are not regulated under the TRPR, but they are covered under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.The Department is currently undertaking a post implementation review on the TRPR. We are exploring areas of regulation that could be strengthened and we will publish our response later this year.

Care Homes: Visits

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that elderly parents and relatives of care home residents do not have to sit in the cold during visits during the covid-19 outbreak.

Helen Whately: As of 12 April, every care home should ensure that each resident can nominate up to two named people who can have regular, indoor visits. Those residents with higher care needs can also nominate an ‘essential care giver’. These visitors will be able to visit more often in order to provide essential care. Visiting arrangements that have been available throughout the period of national lockdown should continue such as using substantial screens, visiting pods, behind windows or outdoors.

Dementia: Drugs

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2021 to Questions 180914 and 180915 on Dementia: Prescription Drugs, what information his Department holds on the number and proportion of people on the Dementia Register who have been issued with an anti-psychotic drug prescription since March 2020; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Whately: The information is not available in the format requested.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

James Wild: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Valvena vaccine will be made available on the NHS in the event that it passes relevant clinical trials.

Nadhim Zahawi: A COVID-19 vaccine will only be authorised once it has met robust standards on safety, effectiveness and quality through clinical trials and been authorised for use by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Once they have thoroughly reviewed the data, the MHRA seeks advice from the Government’s independent advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines. They critically assess the data before advising on the safety, quality and effectiveness of any potential vaccine. While a vaccine is authorised by the MHRA, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will advise the Government about the use of the vaccine.As such, if the Valneva vaccine is authorised by the MHRA and is advised for use, then it will be made available on the National Health Service.

Wales Office

Referendums: Wales

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the potential for a Welsh independence referendum; and what steps he has taken to promote the Union.

Simon Hart: I have had no discussions with the Welsh Government on a Welsh independence referendum. The value to Wales of being part of a strong United Kingdom has been clearly demonstrated by the UK Government’s actions during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have safeguarded Welsh jobs through employment support schemes like the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and reduced transmission of Covid-19 through the successful rollout of the vaccine programme. We have protected Welsh jobs and businesses by ensuring trade continues to flow freely throughout the United Kingdom by virtue of the UK Internal Market Act 2020, and our programme of City and Growth Deals together with our local growth funds are helping to level up communities across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is progressing our ambitious plans to establish Freeports across the UK and, under the Union Connectivity Review, boost transport links between the nations of the UK.

Attorney General

Crown Prosecution Service: Training

Ellie Reeves: To ask the Attorney General, what mandatory training on domestic abuse CPS prosecutors have received in the last 12 months; what proportion of prosecutors have completed that training; and what evaluation has been undertaken on effectiveness of that training.

Lucy Frazer: The Crown Prosecution Service takes cases of domestic abuse extremely seriously. CPS prosecutors undertake specific e-learning modules with domestic abuse training delivered to all new lawyers joining CPS Areas. In the past 12 months, 349 staff have completed evidence led prosecution e-learning and 303 advocates have completed the domestic abuse drills course (an advocacy-based course supporting prosecutors dealing with domestic abuse cases, which covers issues around bail, guilty pleas, special measures, and case management). In addition to these mandatory modules, wider training on domestic abuse is also available to prosecutors.As part of an ambitious domestic abuse programme launched in January 2021, the CPS is working with sector experts to review the current e-learning modules, to create additional learning opportunities and share messages with staff. The recent Domestic Abuse Best Practice Framework Conference demonstrates how key information can be shared virtually with prosecutors.

Sentencing: Appeals

Peter Kyle: To ask the Attorney General, how many victims contacted the CPS to make a referral under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme in the most recent time period for which figures are available; whether his Department holds data on the number of referrals by type of offence in the relevant cases; and how many of those referrals resulted in a change to the sentence length of the offender.

Lucy Frazer: Requests for referral under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) Scheme are made to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Many victims contact the AGO directly and do not go to the CPS, and therefore the CPS do not hold all relevant data. All requests made via the CPS are reflected in the AGO statistics.The AGO received 787 requests to review sentences under the ULS in 2020 and 144 requests were from victims and family members of victims. Of those 84 were eligible for review within the scheme and 14 of those were referred to the Court of Appeal. The data held by the AGO shows of the 14 cases referred: 4 were homicide cases, 8 were non-fatal offences against the person and 2 cases were categorised as rape and sexual offences. The Court of Appeal increased the sentence in 9 of those cases.

Ministry of Justice

Emergency Services: Crimes of Violence

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 7 September 2020 to Question 78583 on Emergency Services: Crimes of Violence, when he plans to write to the hon. Member for Shipley to supply that information.

Chris Philp: Obtaining the necessary information to fully answer the question asked on 22 July 2020, involves accessing the Police National Computer (PNC). This system can only be accessed via a fixed location in our offices. Access to the PNC has been severely restricted since March 2020 due to the national restrictions and the need to minimise non-essential travel. Work to clear the backlog of parliamentary questions, alongside data uploads and other priority work using the PNC, has commenced but there is continued reduced capacity to do this due to the need to adhere to social distancing guidelines. I will write to the Hon Member with the requested information as soon as possible.

Coronavirus: Fines

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many fines have been issued for offences under covid-19 legislation; and how many of those fines have been paid.

Chris Philp: National statistics on detailed offence level fines at court, including those relating to COVID-19 for the calendar year of 2020 are due for publication in May 2021. The NPCC publishes statistics on the number of Coronavirus Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued by police. The latest can be found here: https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/update-on-coronavirus-fpns-issued-by-police-march-2021 Neither court nor NPCC data contains information about whether a fine has been paid.

Ministry of Justice: Business Interests

Mr David Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will publish details of any cases in which officials in his Department receive remuneration for paid work for organisations or companies outside of government.

Chris Philp: On 23 April, the Cabinet Secretary wrote to the Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the management of outside interests in the Civil Service. The Committee published this letter on 26 April. It can be found here: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5623/documents/55584/default/ The Cabinet Secretary’s letter sets out a series of steps to improve processes. This programme of work will also take account of any recommendations that emerge from Nigel Boardman’s review. The Civil Service Management Code sets out, at paragraph 4.3.4, the requirement that civil servants must seek permission before accepting any outside employment which might affect their work either directly or indirectly. The applicable principles are those set out in the Business Appointment Rules. The Civil Service Management Code is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-servants-terms-and-conditions. Where the civil servant is a member of the departmental board any outside employment, as well as other relevant interests will be published as part of the Annual Report and Accounts or other transparency publication.

Magistrates' Courts: Prison Sentences

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of increasing the sentencing powers of Magistrates in accordance with Section 154 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 on the number of outstanding cases at Crown Courts.

Chris Philp: The government keeps this policy under review, but an assessment of the impact on outstanding cases at the Crown Court cannot be made available at this time.

Courts: Leeds

Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to establish a civil justice centre in Leeds.

Chris Philp: There are currently no plans to establish a civil justice centre in Leeds. Our estate in Leeds is regularly reviewed to make sure it continues to meet our operational requirements.

Legal Aid Scheme

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of legal aid provision in (a) Newport West and (b) England.

Alex Chalk: The Legal Aid Agency commissions and monitors legal aid services by ‘Procurement Area’ as opposed to by constituency. A full list of contracted providers in England and Wales is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/directory-of-legal-aid-providers which can be filtered by selected geographic area.The LAA seeks to award a minimum of 1 contract for each civil category of law for each procurement area, save in family law where the LAA seeks to award 5 contracts per procurement area. The procurement area which includes Newport West currently exceeds both standards.The Legal Aid Agency frequently reviews market capacity to make sure there is adequate provision around the country and moves quickly to ensure provision where gaps may appear.

Legal Ombudsman: Standards

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions his Department has had with the Office for Legal Complaints on reducing the time taken by the Legal Ombudsman to assess cases during the covid-19 outbreak.

Alex Chalk: The Ministry of Justice has a partnership arrangement with the Office for Legal Complaints (OLC), set out in a framework document, through which performance of the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) scheme is monitored on a regular basis. During the pandemic, there have been frequent discussions with the OLC and members of the executive at LeO to monitor performance, including the impact of the pandemic on the timeliness of cases. A key part of the partnership arrangement is quarterly holding to account meetings with the OLC and LeO in which Performance is a standing agenda item. At these meetings, the OLC’s actions to reduce wait times for consumers are discussed. Monthly reports on performance are also reviewed by the MoJ and the Legal Services Board (LSB) – the oversight regulator for the legal profession – to assess the progress of these actions. Senior officials from the MOJ are in regular contact with the OLC and senior staff at LEO to discuss performance issues and work to improve performance.

Prisons: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the minutes of the 84th SAGE meeting on covid-19, 25 March 2021, point 23, what proportion of the PCR tests taken by (a) staff via weekly routine testing, and (b) prisoners at key transition points including reception and transfer, are screened for covid variants of concern.

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the minutes of the 84th SAGE meeting on covid-19 of 25 March 2021, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the conclusions noted on the (a) speed of vaccination and (b) uptake of vaccination of (i) prison staff and (ii) prisoners.

Alex Chalk: Over the course of the pandemic we have expanded the use of testing based on public health recommendations, and we now offer testing routinely to all staff and those prisoners who are moving into or within the prison estate. We also conduct mass testing as part of a multi-agency response to outbreaks. We are constantly seeking to harness the benefits that new testing technologies might be able to offer, as soon as they become available, to strengthen our defences against the virus further. PCR tests are only sent for genomic sequencing if a positive result is indicated and as required according to Public Health guidance. HMPPS is working with health partners to ensure these tests are prioritised for sequencing along with positive cases in the care home sector. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to work closely with PHE and PHW to determine the appropriate testing regime in prisons, including any changes due to the effect of vaccination. Vaccines are at the centre of the Government’s plan to ensure life can return to as normal as soon as possible. Social distancing and basic hygiene, however, continue to be effective controls to reduce transmission and we continue to provide access to the right cleaning and hygiene products in prisons as we move into recovery. The vaccination programme is managed by the NHS, although we continue to support healthcare colleagues to vaccinate prisoners. Prisoners are being vaccinated in line with the community, and based on the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Whilst it is voluntary, we are strongly encouraging all those who are eligible to get vaccinated, to protect themselves and those around them.

Public Service: Misconduct

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 7 December 2020 to Question 126115, when the Government plans to respond to the Law Commission’s report into Misconduct in Public Office.

Chris Philp: We are still carefully considering the Law Commission’s report on Misconduct in Public Office which was published in December last year.The Government’s response, together with confirmation of any next steps, will be issued within the timeframes outlined in the Joint Protocol between the Law Commission and the Government which include any timeframe agreed between the Law Commission and Government

Children: Domestic Violence

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to help ensure that (a) the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service and (b) social service officers have the necessary (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) time and (iv) authority to investigate allegations of (A) violence and (B) abuse.

Chris Philp: While it is not the role of Cafcass staff to investigate the truth of allegations of violence and abuse, Cafcass officers will identify when domestic abuse is alleged, assess the impact on the child’s welfare and make recommendations to the court, which may include the court holding a finding of fact hearing to determine any allegations of abuse. All Cafcass practitioners are qualified social workers with at least three years’ post-qualification experience. Every practitioner receives training in assessing domestic abuse and has access to learning packages and programmes developed in collaboration with organisations with specialist knowledge of domestic abuse, including a learning package on coercive and controlling behaviours. Cafcass has a domestic abuse practice pathway which brings together the range of tools practitioners use for identifying domestic abuse, assessing its impact and making recommendations to the court about programmes to address perpetrator behaviour. Cafcass has recently reviewed the pathway, working alongside partners including organisations that work with parents with lived experience of the family courts, and will roll out updated training for all its staff in the next year. This training will take account of recommendations from Cafcass’ Learning and Improvement Board, which draws on the findings of the MoJ Expert Panel on Harm in the Family Courts. The timetable for court proceedings is set by the court. This usually allows around three weeks to complete a safeguarding letter for the first court hearing, and around three months to complete a Section 7 assessment report. The proportion of Section 7 reports that are filed on time is one of Cafcass’ Key Performance Indicators. For the period 2019-20, 98.7% of reports were filed by the agreed date. Social services officers are employed by local authorities and are not the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.

Family Courts: Safety

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent steps he has taken to help ensure the safety and welfare of children in family courts during custody decisions, where safety concerns have been raised by a parent or child to (a) the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service and (b) social service officers.

Chris Philp: The welfare of the child is the court’s paramount concern. The court makes decisions about the future arrangements of children based on this fundamental principle as set out in the 1989 Children Act. Any concerns raised by a parent or a child are taken seriously and considered in line with existing procedures. Where an application is made to court for a child arrangements order, Cafcass assesses risks to children using the Child Impact and Assessment Framework (CIAF). This brings together guides and tools which Family Court Advisers can use to help them assess the impact of different factors on the child. These may include: domestic abuse; harmful conflict; child refusal or resistance to spend time with one of their parents; and other forms of harmful parenting arising from issues such as substance misuse or mental health difficulties. Cafcass also undertakes safeguarding checks and provides relevant information to the court in a safeguarding letter before the first hearing. All Cafcass practitioners are qualified social workers with at least three years’ post qualifying experience. Cafcass conducts checks of police records and makes enquiries of the local authority. It will include in its safeguarding letter any relevant convictions or cautions or prior local authority involvement. Following the first hearing, the court may order Cafcass or the Local Authority to complete a Section 7 report if it wants more information on the welfare of the child and what is best for them. This is considered by the court when making a final decision on the future arrangements for a child. If welfare or safeguarding concerns are raised by parents, children or other agencies to the Local Authority, social workers at the relevant Authority will investigate and decide whether they need to apply to the court for a Care or Supervision Order. The Public Law Outline sets out the duties and steps the local authority has when making this decision. This process is separate to the one followed when a child arrangements order is concerned. In June 2020, the MoJ’s expert panel published their report on ‘Assessing Risk of Harm to Children and Parents in Private Law Children Cases’. We are continuing work to deliver against the commitments set out in the Government’s Implementation Plan to improve the experience of users of the family courts. We have launched the review into the presumption of parental involvement and how it is applied where there is an allegation or evidence to suggest that parental involvement will put the child at risk of harm. We also have plans to trial a stronger ‘voice of the child’, to ensure children’s wishes and views are central to the court process.

Dogs: Tagging

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many prosecutions there have been under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, and how many convictions secured.

Chris Philp: The Ministry of Justice has published information on prosecutions and convictions for offences under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, in England and Wales, up to December 2019, available in the ‘Principal offence proceedings and outcomes by Home Office offence code’ data tool, which can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/938554/HO-code-tool-principal-offence-2019.xlsx In the data tool linked above, use the ‘Offence code’ filter to select the following offence code:111/26 - Various summary offences contrary to regulations under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015. (And the Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015). Number of prosecutions will populate Row 31; number of convictions will populate Row 32. Please note that this offence code includes offences under both Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 and Microchipping of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2015. In order to identify defendants dealt with in England, specifically, use the ‘Police Force Area’ filter to select all options excluding those in Wales (i.e. Gwent, North Wales, South Wales and Dyfed-Powys).

Treasury

Treasury: Pay

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether any officials in his Department receive remuneration for paid work for organisations or companies outside of government.

Kemi Badenoch: On 23 April, the Cabinet Secretary wrote to the Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the management of outside interests in the Civil Service. The Committee published this letter on 26 April. It can be found here:https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5623/documents/55584/default/ The Cabinet Secretary’s letter sets out a series of steps to improve processes. This programme of work will also take account of any recommendations that emerge fromNigel Boardman’s review. The Civil Service Management Code sets out, at paragraph 4.3.4, the requirement that civil servants must seek permission before accepting any outside employment which might affect their work either directly or indirectly. The applicable principles are those set out in the Business Appointment Rules. The Civil Service Management Code is published here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-servants-terms-and-conditions . Where the civil servant is a member of the departmental board, any outside employment, as well as other relevant interests will be published as part of the Annual Report and Accounts or other transparency publication.

Landfill Tax

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost to the public purse was of HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive, was terminated.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many landfill tax fraud cases brought forward by HMRC have resulted in successful prosecutions in the last ten years.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many landfill tax fraud cases in the North East brought forward by HMRC have resulted in successful prosecutions in the last ten years.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what (a) methodology and (b) evidence HMRC used to estimate the alleged landfill tax fraud at £78 million prior to its raid on Niramax's offices in September 2015.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much money has been recovered for the public purse as a result of HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many staff were involved in HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many agencies were involved in HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with representatives of the Environment Agency on HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many investigations his Department has conducted into tax fraud in the last five years.

Kemi Badenoch: HMRC’s statutory duty of taxpayer confidentiality prevents it from commenting on the specifics of any case. HMRC do not break costs down by individual investigations. They are funded by Government to investigate serious tax fraud and deploy resources to achieve value for money overall. HMRC closely collaborates with the Environment Agency, relevant local authorities and the Crown Prosecution Service during the course of investigations into landfill tax fraud. To date there has been no prosecution into landfill tax fraud, but over the last five years, HMRC’s civil compliance activity has prevented more than £1billion in incorrect landfill tax repayment claims and it has stepped in to protect £125m of tax that would otherwise have gone unpaid. Since it was set up in 2016, HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service has secured and protected more than £25bn for our vital public services and has launched over 76,000 civil cases and more than 4,000 criminal investigations, securing 3,700 criminal convictions.

Occupational Pensions

John Lamont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the likelihood that the consultation on the pensions charge cap will lead to higher returns for savers.

John Glen: This is a matter for the Department for Work and Pensions.

Tax Avoidance

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people are subject to the Loan Charge as at 21 April 2021.

Chris Stephens: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people are required to make payments under the Loan Charge as of 26 April 2021.

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people are subject to the Loan Charge as of 26 April 2021.

Jesse Norman: HMRC’s latest estimates of those affected by the Loan Charge are included in their GOV.UK publication titled Independent Loan Charge review: HMRC report on implementation. As set out in this report, in January 2020, HMRC wrote to more than 55,000 individuals and employers who were identified as potentially affected by the Loan Charge. HMRC estimate the changes to the Loan Charge enacted in Finance Act 2020 took 11,000 people out of paying the charge altogether. The report goes on to state that 5,600 employers and individuals settled their use of disguised remuneration schemes in the period to 30 September 2020.

Tax Avoidance

Justin Madders: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions his Department has held with relevant stakeholders on the Upper Tribunal decision of 12 April 2021 in the context of the Government's policy on people subject to the Loan Charge.

Jesse Norman: HMRC are carefully considering the Upper Tribunal decision of 12 April. The decision does not affect the Loan Charge legislation which was subject to an independent review in 2019. The Independent Loan Charge Review assessed the impact of the Loan Charge policy on affected taxpayers. Its careful and considered report found that it was right to tackle disguised remuneration tax avoidance schemes and that everyone should pay their fair share of tax. The report also examined the question of from when the Loan Charge should apply and concluded that the law about the tax treatment of DR loan schemes was clear from 9 December 2010. This was when draft legislation was published setting out that income provided through schemes using third parties, such as loan schemes, would be subject to Income Tax and NICs.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department plans to undertake a review into the eligibility thresholds for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Jesse Norman: The Government announced at Budget that the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will continue with a fourth and final fifth grant. The fourth and fifth grants are an estimated £13.5bn of additional support, taking total support for the self-employed to over £33 billion since the start of the pandemic. This provides certainty to business as the economy reopens and means the SEISS will continue to be one of the most generous schemes for the self-employed in the world. Further information about the fourth grant is available in recently published guidance, at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme. Further detail on how the fifth grant will operate will be confirmed in future guidance, which will be published in due course.

Leisure: VAT

Simon Jupp: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to widen the scope of the temporary reduced rate of VAT for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions to include leisure and entertainment attractions such as (a) indoor go-karting venues and (b) ice rinks opening from Step 3 of the Roadmap on the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Jesse Norman: The temporary reduced rate of VAT (5 per cent) was introduced on 15 July 2020 to support the cash flow and viability of about 150,000 businesses and protect over 2.4 million jobs in the hospitality and tourism sectors.Hospitality for the purposes of this relief includes the supply of food and non-alcoholic beverages from restaurants, cafes, pubs and similar establishments for consumption on the premises. It also includes the supply of hot food and non-alcoholic hot beverages to take away. Where a business provides such hospitality, that hospitality will benefit from the reduced rate. Admission charges that entitle a person to participate in events where the primary focus is a sporting activity will not generally be eligible for the temporary reduced rate. If businesses are in any doubt about whether they are supplying sporting facilities, they should consult VAT Notice 701/45.

Business: Taxation

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support businesses that are experiencing retrospective withdrawal of input tax claims and fines following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Jesse Norman: There has been no change to the normal rules which apply in respect of input tax deduction in the UK. Further information on recovering input tax is available in the VAT guide (VAT Notice 700) at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-guide-notice-700. Full guidance for UK businesses on the arrangements following the end of the transition period can be found at https://www.gov.uk/transition.

Taxation: Deductions

Chris Stephens: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure umbrella companies comply with legislation on the deduction of employers’ taxes from contractors’ pay.

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to help ensure that umbrella companies comply with legislation on the deduction of employers’ taxes from contractors’ pay.

Jesse Norman: Like all employers, umbrella companies are responsible for paying employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) where they are due. Employers cannot, by law, deduct employer NICs from an employee's gross pay. The payment of employer NICs out of the umbrella company’s fee may be shown on the same payslip as deductions, such as Income Tax, from the employee’s gross pay, so that it can look as if an individual is paying the employer NICs, when this is not actually the case. New rules came into force from 6 April 2020 requiring all agency workers to be given a Key Information Document by an agency before agreeing terms, including when the agency worker is engaged through an umbrella company. Key Information Documents set out details about the engagement, including rates of pay. This allows workers to see how deductions and fees are made through the labour supply chain and how this affects their gross pay and net pay. When set up and operated correctly, umbrella companies comply with tax and NICs legislation. Umbrella company employees who believe that an umbrella company is not complying with its tax or NICs obligations can report it to HM Revenue and Customs: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/report-fraud-to-hmrc.

Car Allowances

James Wild: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of exempting volunteer drivers from HMRC mileage rates for travel over 10,000 miles.

Jesse Norman: Volunteer drivers who are reimbursed for their reasonable out of pocket expenses are not liable for Income Tax or National Insurance contributions (NICs). HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) accept that generally, allowances paid to volunteer drivers do no more than reimburse them for their actual expenses. Tax is only paid on any allowances received which exceed expenses and result in a profit. In order to support the voluntary sector, the Government allows voluntary organisations to make payments under the Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) scheme to their volunteer drivers. The current AMAPs rate for cars and vans is 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile for each subsequent mile. The Passenger Payment is 5p per mile. The rates are set by Parliament and are reviewed regularly.

Tax Avoidance: Prosecutions

Neil Coyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many (a) promoters and (b) operators of schemes now subject to the Loan Charge have been prosecuted.

Jesse Norman: A number of individuals are currently under criminal investigation by HMRC for offences linked to schemes subject to the Loan Charge. In addition to schemes subject to the Loan Charge; since 1 April 2016, more than 20 individuals have been convicted for offences relating to arrangements which have been promoted and marketed as tax avoidance, including offences related to disguised remuneration. These have resulted in over 100 years of custodial sentences. The majority of these convictions relate to promoters.

Horses: Customs and VAT

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of the removal of customs and VAT guarantees for the temporary admission of thoroughbreds to Great Britain for racing and breeding purposes; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: Under new rules introduced on 1 January 2021, most businesses no longer need to provide a guarantee if they are granted full authorisation from HMRC for the Temporary Admission procedure in Great Britain. This means that authorised importers of racehorses will generally not be required to provide upfront security for customs and VAT liabilities, and subject to the horses being re-exported as per the Temporary Admission rules, import duties would not become payable.

Revenue and Customs: Tax Avoidance

Neil Coyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Stephen Hoey v The Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs case, whether HMRC plans to accept the decision of that case relating to contactors with pre-2010 open years in respect of owed tax.

Jesse Norman: HMRC are carefully considering the Upper Tribunal decision of 12 April in the case of Stephen Hoey v The Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs.

Sheltered Housing: VAT

Huw Merriman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has plans to (a) reduce or (a) zero rate VAT charges applied to the costs of onsite staff of sheltered housing schemes for older people where those staff are supplied by property management companies.

Jesse Norman: Although the supply of staff is generally standard rated, in order to keep costs down for older people, the supply of sheltered housing schemes is exempt from VAT, meaning no VAT is charged to the final consumerGoing further would come at a cost to the Exchequer and must be viewed in the context of over £50 billion of relief requests from VAT since the EU referendum.  VAT makes a significant contribution to the public finances, raising about £130 billion in 2019/20, and helps to fund key spending priorities including on health, schools, and defence. Given this, there are no current plans to change the VAT treatment of supplies of staff.

Revenue and Customs: Contracts

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with HMRC on its reported (a) engagement with and (b) use of contractors using disguised remuneration schemes.

Jesse Norman: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) do not engage in, or enter into, disguised remuneration (DR) schemes. It is possible for a contractor providing services to HMRC to use a DR scheme without the department’s knowledge or participation. Where HMRC become aware of a contractor who is using a DR scheme, they take robust compliance action, including immediate action to terminate the engagement. These individuals are subject to the same tax compliance action in respect of their DR scheme use as any other scheme user.

Alarms: VAT

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the possible merits of extending the zero VAT rating to personal safety alarms.

Jesse Norman: The Government already makes available a VAT relief on emergency alarm systems designed to be operated by a disabled person to call for help in case of illness or injury. VAT makes a significant contribution towards the public finances, raising about £130 billion in 2019/20, and helping fund the Government's priorities including on health, schools, and defence. Extending the current VAT relief to all personal safety alarms would come at a significant cost to the Exchequer and would require reductions in spending or tax rises elsewhere. Given this, there are no current plans to extend the scope of the relief already in place. However, the Government keeps all taxes under review.

Business: Taxation

Andrew Bowie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the super deduction to unincorporated businesses.

Jesse Norman: The super-deduction is available only to incorporated businesses subject to the charge of UK corporation tax.The Government has no plans to extend the super-deduction to unincorporated businesses.Unincorporated businesses can continue to claim 100% relief on qualifying investments in plant and machinery through the Annual Investment Allowance, which will remain at its highest ever level of £1 million until the end of 2021.

Ice Cream: VAT

Claire Hanna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to include ice cream products sold for takeaway consumption in the temporary VAT reduction for the hospitality sector.

Jesse Norman: The temporary reduced rate of VAT (5 per cent) was introduced on 15 July 2020 to support the cash flow and viability of about 150,000 businesses and protect over 2.4 million jobs in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Ice cream served for consumption on the premises in ice cream parlours or other food establishments will benefit from the reduced rate. This relief comes at a significant cost to the Exchequer, and there are no plans to extend the scope of the reduced rate. This policy will cost over £7 billion, and while some businesses in some sectors are disappointed, a boundary for eligibility had to be drawn.

Revenue and Customs: Tax Avoidance

Neil Coyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with HMRC on its reported engagement with contractors who used disguised remuneration schemes.

Jesse Norman: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) do not engage in, or enter into, disguised remuneration (DR) schemes. It is possible for a contractor providing services to HMRC to use a DR scheme without the department’s knowledge or participation. Where HMRC become aware of a contractor who is using a DR scheme, they take robust compliance action, including immediate action to terminate the engagement. These individuals are subject to the same tax compliance action in respect of their DR scheme use as any other scheme user.

Tax Avoidance

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made of the number of individuals affected by the Loan Charge.

Jesse Norman: HMRC’s latest estimates of those affected by the Loan Charge are included in their GOV.UK publication titled Independent Loan Charge review: HMRC report on implementation. As set out in this report, in January 2020, HMRC wrote to more than 55,000 individuals and employers who were identified as potentially affected by the Loan Charge. HMRC estimate the changes to the Loan Charge enacted in Finance Act 2020 took 11,000 people out of paying the charge altogether. The report goes on to state that 5,600 employers and individuals settled their use of disguised remuneration schemes in the period to 30 September 2020.

VAT: Scotland

John Lamont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many businesses are affected by the VAT reduction for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions in (a) the Scottish Borders and (b) in Scotland.

Jesse Norman: It is estimated that about 13,000 businesses in Scotland benefit from the VAT reduced rate for hospitality, accommodation and attractions. Estimates are not available for lower level geographic areas.

UK Trader Scheme

Stephen Farry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending access to the UK Trader Scheme to companies without a formal base in Northern Ireland.

Jesse Norman: The conditions for authorisation for the UK Trader Scheme (UKTS) are set out in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee’s decision on ‘not at risk’ goods. The Government has already provided an easement to allow GB traders who do not have a fixed place of business in Northern Ireland time to prepare, allowing them to be authorised for the UKTS until 1 November 2021 providing they meet other UKTS eligibility requirements. As part of current discussions to address outstanding issues with the Protocol and ensure it operates in the pragmatic and proportionate way intended, the Government would want to consider flexibilities that could support the streamlined flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Self-employed: Government Assistance

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to support an increase in freelance working.

Jesse Norman: The Government recognises the importance of supporting the self-employed, including freelancers, during the COVID-19 outbreak and has taken steps to deliver a very substantial economic support package, designed to provide individuals and businesses with the assistance and certainty they need over the course of the pandemic. This includes over £33bn of support provided to eligible self-employed individuals through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), as well as increased levels of Universal Credit, Extended Loss Carry Back rules, the Recovery Loan scheme, tax deferrals, rental support, mortgage holidays, self-isolation support payments and other business support grants. As restrictions are eased, economic activity and demand will gradually pick up as a result, and the Government will continue to consider how it can support all parts of the labour market, recognising that businesses will need some time to recover and adapt.

VAT: Coronavirus

Sarah Olney: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason the VAT charge on PCR tests is 20 per cent.

Jesse Norman: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the standard rate of 20% normally applies to most goods and services, including PCR tests. However, medical testing administered by registered health professionals is exempt from VAT.The Government also continues to offer free Covid-19 testing for those with Covid-19 symptoms, and everyone in England, including those without symptoms, are able to take a free rapid coronavirus test twice a week.

Revenue and Customs: Tax Avoidance

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of HMRC's reported use of contractors using disguised remuneration schemes.

Jesse Norman: The careful and considered Independent Loan Charge Review found that it was right to tackle disguised remuneration (DR) tax avoidance and that everyone should pay their fair share of tax.HMRC do not engage in, or enter into, DR schemes. It is possible for a contractor providing services to HMRC to use a DR scheme without the department’s knowledge or participation. Where HMRC become aware of a contractor who is using a DR scheme, they take robust compliance action, including immediate action to terminate the engagement. These individuals are subject to the same tax compliance action in respect of their DR scheme use as any other scheme user.

Revenue and Customs: Land

Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what information his Department holds on the value of the (a) former HMRC property Custom House in the City of London and (b) land attached to that property.

Jesse Norman: HMRC still retain ownership of the freehold interest in Custom House, London. The advice they have received from external surveyors is that the value of their freehold interest is probably negligible as it is subject to an unexpired long lease on the property which is owned by Mapeley, the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contractor. The value of the grant of the long leasehold interest was reflected in the PFI contractor’s bid price at the start of the contract.HMRC understand that Mapeley have received an offer for their unexpired long leasehold interest in the property, subject to planning permission being granted, for the development of a hotel, but is not party to the details of that proposal. HMRC have no interest in, or information about, any additional land that may be proposed as part of a wider redevelopment of the area.

Economic Situation

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the effect of the policies of the Wellbeing Economy Governments partnership on the UK's strategy for economic recovery at (a) local, (b) national and (c) global level; and if he will make a statement.

John Glen: This government has provided an unprecedented package with a cumulative cost of £352 billion to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods and to support businesses and public services across the UK since the start of the pandemic. The government has consistently erred towards generosity in its support, reflecting the severity of the impact of the pandemic on peoples’ lives.To continue to support people on low incomes during the Covid-19 crisis, at Budget the government announced a six-month extension to the temporary £20 per week uplift to the Universal Credit (UC) standard allowance. The government has also announced similar support for eligible Working Tax Credit (WTC) claimants; because of the way the WTC system operates, being provided through a one-off £500 payment in April. The government's actions to protect lives and livelihoods have been aimed at mitigating the most damaging effects of the pandemic on peoples’ wellbeing, and the government has considered a wide range of data throughout. This includes National accounts statistics like GDP, which remains one of our most important economic indicators. It is closely correlated with employment, incomes and tax receipts and is comparable across time periods, making it useful for the government and Bank of England when setting economic policy and managing the public finances. GDP has its limitations and should not be seen as an all-encompassing measure of welfare – something it was never designed to be. Sir Charles Bean’s 2016 Independent Review of Economic Statistics acknowledged some of these limitations, such as the challenge of capturing activities where no market transaction takes place and the fact that GDP estimates make no allowance for the depletion of natural resources that may be inherent in many forms of economic production. The government fully supported the recommendations of the Bean review and, to date, has provided the ONS with an additional £25m to help improve UK economic statistics - including through an initiative called “Beyond GDP” that aims to address the limitations in GDP by developing broader measures of welfare and activity. This includes developing a suite of personal well-being measures, better accounting for unpaid work and developing estimates for natural and human capital.

Government Assistance: Northern Ireland

Ruth Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to provide financial support to the Northern Ireland Executive to assist in the aftermath of the wildfires in the Mourne Mountains.

Steve Barclay: The wildfires across Northern Ireland are devastating, and I pay tribute to the firefighters and emergency services from across Northern Ireland. Fire services and community policy are devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive. The UK Government has provided the Northern Ireland Executive with £15.6 billion in 2021-22 to spend across their devolved responsibilities. As set out in the Statement of Funding Policy if a devolved administration faces exceptional and unforeseen domestic costs which cannot reasonably be absorbed within existing budgets or managed using the additional tools and powers available to them they can submit a Reserve claim that will be considered for Supplementary Estimates at the end of the financial year.

Government Assistance: Coronavirus

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will place in the Library any contingency plans his Department has prepared in the event that additional economic support is required as a result of a further wave of covid-19.

John Glen: Throughout the pandemic, the government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods while also supporting businesses and public services across the UK. To do this, the government has put in place a package of support which will provide businesses and individuals with certainty over the coming months, even as measures to prevent further spread of the virus change. The cumulative cost to the government of the support has been £352 billion since the start of the pandemic. Thanks to people’s hard work and sacrifice, supported by the success of the initial stages of the vaccine rollout, there is now a path to reopening the economy. We will continue to take a flexible but cautious approach as we review restrictions, and as measures to control the virus change it is right that government support should also evolve. Because of this, we will keep all impacts and policies under review. To ensure that individuals and businesses have time to plan as the economy reopens in line with the easing of restrictions, schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, business grants and loans, and business rates and VAT relief are continuing beyond the end of the Roadmap.

Credit

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment the Government has made of the risks to consumers of buy-now-pay later products.

John Glen: The Woolard Review into the unsecured credit market found several potential harms from interest-free buy now pay later products. The Government recognises those risks. That is why on 2 February the Government announced its intention to regulate Buy Now Pay Later products. On 17 March, the Government tabled an amendment to the Financial Services Bill to allow the Government to bring Buy Now Pay Later products into the scope of FCA regulation in a proportionate way.

Financial Services Compensation Scheme: Compensation

Ronnie Cowan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the announcement of a compensation scheme for London and Capital Finance bond holders of 19 April 2021, whether his Department has considered paying similar compensation to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme to offset claims they have already settled.

John Glen: Following an extensive investigation, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) found that certain London Capital and Finance (LCF) bondholders were eligible for FSCS compensation. The FSCS has now paid out £57.6m to over 2,800 LCF bondholders, and has identified and contacted all bondholders whom it believes are eligible for compensation. As previously announced, the government will establish a compensation scheme for all LCF bondholders who are not eligible for FSCS compensation. Details of this scheme were set out in a Written Ministerial Statement on 19 April. The government expects the scheme to have paid all bondholders within 6 months of securing the necessary primary legislation, which it will bring forward as soon as parliamentary time allows. The scheme will not make payments to the FSCS to offset settled claims, as these claims were paid to eligible bondholders in line with FSCS rules. HM Treasury’s separate compensation scheme will compensate those bondholders who are not eligible for FSCS compensation, recognising the unique and exceptional circumstances around LCF’s failure. This compensation will be capped at 80% of bondholders’ initial investments up to a cap of £68,000.

Debts: Advisory Services

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what additional resources the Government will provide to the debt advice sector to ensure it can respond effectively to the 60 per cent increase in demand for debt advice forecast by The Money and Pensions Service.

John Glen: The Government recognises the importance of providing a strong financial footing for the debt advice sector and is committed to helping people access the support they need to get their finances back on track. This is why the Government has agreed to maintain record levels of debt advice funding for the Money and Pension Service in 2021-22, bringing the budget for free debt advice in England to £94.6 million. This is more than a 70% increase since 2019-20 and reflects the Government’s commitment to ensure that appropriate support is available for people in problem debt.

Climate Change and Biodiversity

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 8 March 2021 to Questions 159269 to 159273 on climate change and biodiversity; what steps his Department has taken, through the UK’s presidency of the G7, to call on international partners to examine the findings of the Dasgupta Review including those on measures of economic success; whether global action on the recommendations of the Dasgupta Review is on the agenda for (a) the G7 summit in June 2021 and (b) other forthcoming G7 meetings; and if he will make a statement.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government welcomes the publication of the Dasgupta Review as a strong example of UK thought leadership on an important environmental issue with clear – but often overlooked – economic consequences. The Government is closely examining the Review’s findings - including those concerning measures of economic success. The Government will call on international partners, including through the UK’s Presidencies of the G7 and COP26, to do the same and will respond formally to the Review in due course.Following the launch of the Dasgupta Review, the Chancellor co-hosted the first G7 meeting with the Governor of the Bank of England on 12 February and stated that climate and nature considerations will be a central priority for this year’s Finance Agenda, paving the way to a truly green global economic recovery. The Chancellor urged his counterparts to match the UK’s ambitions ahead of COP26 and COP15 and stressed the importance of working together to support a smooth and effective transition of our economies to net zero.The Chancellor also used his 6 April Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting to press once again for further ambition on climate and environment policies, and the Government will continue to do so at the G7 summit in June and beyond.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Africa: Democracy

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to increase the level of democracy in countries in Africa categorised as Not Free by the Freedom House index for 2020.

James Duddridge: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation

India: Overseas Aid

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 April 2021, HCWS935 on FCDO update, how much and what proportion of Official Development Assistance he has allocated to the distribution of hospital equipment for the global response to covid-19 in (a) 2020-21 and (b) 2021-22.

Wendy Morton: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation

India: Overseas Aid

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 April 2021, HCWS935 on FCDO update, how much and what proportion of Official Development Assistance he has allocated to India to help ensure that hospital equipment is provided for covid-19 treatment in (a) 2020-21 and (b) 2021-22.

Nigel Adams: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation

Overseas Aid: Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 April 2021 on FCDO update, Official Report HCWS935, how much Official Development Assistance has been allocated to support research conducted by COG-UK in (a) 2020-21 and (b) 2021-22.

James Duddridge: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation

Jagtar Singh Johal

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when officials in his Department last made representations to their Indian counterparts on the case of Jagtar Singh Johal.

Nigel Adams: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

China: Uighurs

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with the Home Secretary to ensure that Uyghurs who have been persecuted in China are able to find refuge in the UK.

Nigel Adams: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Chad: Politics and Government

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his French counterpart on the recent events in Chad.

James Duddridge: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Burkina Faso: Politics and Government

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Burkina Faso; and if he will make a statement.

James Duddridge: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Chad: Politics and Government

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Chad.

James Duddridge: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Chad: Human Rights

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Chad.

James Duddridge: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

China: Detainees

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to make an assessment of the role of Chinese companies operating in the UK in the construction of detention camps in China.

Nigel Adams: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Modern Slavery Act 2015

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to amend the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to ensure that UK companies are not using forced Uyghur labour in their supply chains.

Nigel Adams: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Overseas Aid

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 April 2021, FCDO update, HCWS 935, how many hours (a) he, (b) Ministers of his Department and (c) officials of his Department spent with (i) representatives of the Indian Government and (ii) UK diplomatic officials in post in India to consult with them on the new Official Development Assistance allocations for 2021-22 in advance of his Department taking decisions on those allocations.

Nigel Adams: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Overseas Aid

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 April 2021, FCDO update, HCWS 935, for how many hours (a) he, (b) Ministers of his Department and (c) officials of his Department met with diplomatic officials in posts in (i) Yemen, (ii) Myanmar, (iii) Afghanistan, (iv) Somalia, (v) Sudan, (vi) South Sudan, (vii) India and (viii) Ukraine in advance of his Department taking decisions on the Official Development Assistance allocations for 2021-22.

Nigel Adams: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation

India: Coronavirus

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will bring forward policy proposals on exporting surplus UK covid-19 vaccine supplies to India (a) to help tackle the third wave of the outbreak of that virus in that country and (b) in response to recent reports of increases in covid-19 infections, deaths and hospitalisations in that country.

Nigel Adams: It has not proved possible to respond to the Hon Member in the time available before Prorogation

Jerusalem: Palestinians

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the recent violent clashes in Jerusalem and reports of the use of violence by Israeli security forces against Palestinians.

James Cleverly: We are watching developments in Jerusalem closely, and call on all sides to reduce tensions, restore calm and avoid provocation. Israeli police and security forces must ensure that any and all use of force against civilians is proportionate and does not serve to further enflame the situation. We urge Israel to investigate any accusations of excess use of force.

Egypt: Overseas Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the 2021-22 reduction in Official Development Assistance funding on (a) the humanitarian response, (b) health, (c) poverty alleviation, (d) food security and nutrition and (e) conflict resolution in Egypt.

James Cleverly: The FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in line with the UK strategic objectives set out in the Integrated Review, amid the challenging financial climate of COVID-19. We have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Allocation decisions took into account a range of factors, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of draft business plans and sectoral analysis of key trends. Impact on beneficiaries of UK aid, on supply partners and on equalities were all considered.

Jordan: Overseas Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the 2021-22 reduction in Official Development Assistance funding on (a) the humanitarian response, (b) health, (c) poverty alleviation, (d) food security and nutrition and (e) conflict resolution in Jordan.

James Cleverly: The FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in line with the UK strategic objectives set out in the Integrated Review, amid the challenging financial climate of COVID-19. We have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Allocation decisions took into account a range of factors, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of draft business plans and sectoral analysis of key trends. Impact on beneficiaries of UK aid, on supply partners and on equalities were all considered.

Africa and Asia: Literacy

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help increase literacy rates in (a) Africa and (b) Asia.

Wendy Morton: The UK Government helps many of the most marginalised children in Africa and Asia gain critical foundational skills (literacy and numeracy) needed to progress in school. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 9 in 10 children in low income countries could not read a simple story by the age of ten. Now, with two-thirds of the academic year lost on average worldwide due to school closures, an additional 72 million children are expected to fall behind and fail to read by the time they leave primary school, with girls disproportionately impacted.In response to school closures in Pakistan, UK technical support to the Government has provided teachers with scripted lessons and students with learning materials, benefitting more than 8.5 million students, including 4.3 million girls. In Ethiopia, the UK has helped the Government with school reopening and post COVID 19 recovery plans, working to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of over 1 million primary school aged children in the most marginalised parts of the country. Through our presidency of the G7 this year, the UK is asking G7 members and global education partners to raise their ambitions for girls education and endorse two new global targets - to get 40 million more girls into school and 20 million more girls reading by age 10 in low and lower middle income countries by 2026.

UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Government's contribution to the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent on 9 April 2021, what type of good practice will be shared in the Forum for the implementation of the Programme Activities of the International Decade For People of African Descent.

Nigel Adams: The UK Government is currently taking part in the discussions on the modalities of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and considering the issues in that context. We remain committed to combating all forms of racism, both at home and abroad. We believe that one of the most effective ways to tackle injustices and advocate for respect among different ethnic and racial groups is to encourage states to uphold their human rights obligations.

Western Sahara: Politics and Government

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Moroccan Ambassador on a referendum on (a) independence from, and (b) integration of Morocco in Western Sahara.

Rachel Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the UN Security Council on a timetable for the referendum of self-determination in Western Sahara.

James Cleverly: The UK fully supports UN-led efforts, as made clear in UNSCR 2548, to reach a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. We strongly support the UN Secretary-General's efforts to appoint a Personal Envoy at the earliest opportunity so that consultations between the parties can resume.

Pakistan: Courts

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has made of the progress in establishing child courts in Pakistan; and what support his Department is providing on their creation.

Nigel Adams: The UK welcomes the recent establishment of child courts across Pakistan, which will ensure that issues affecting children, including child marriage, are more effectively dealt with in Pakistan's legal system. Our Strengthening Rule of Law in Pakistan programme, which concluded in March 2021, has worked to ensure that all of Pakistan can benefit from a fair, equal and transparent justice system that will help ensure a better governed, more prosperous and stable Pakistan.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department plans to publish the 2021-22 Official Development Assistance funding allocation for the United Nations Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign Secretary's Statement to Parliament on 21 April 2021 set out preliminary details of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ODA spending plans for Financial Year 2021-2022. We have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Following a thorough review, the FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against a challenging financial climate of COVID. The FCDO is now working through what this means for individual partners and programmes, in line with the priorities identified. The funds for individual agencies and programmes will be published on DEVtracker and in Statistics on International Development.The portfolio agreed by the Foreign Secretary will focus our investment and expertise on issues where the UK can make the most difference and achieve maximum strategic coherence, impact, and value for money. The UK will spend more than £10 billion in aid this year, including more than a billion pounds fighting the international causes and consequences of climate change and more than a billion pounds improving global health systems to build back better after the coronavirus pandemic.

India: Overseas Aid

Mrs Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the reduction to the Official Development Assistance budget on the UK’s foreign aid budget for India, excluding money spent in emergency aid to support health infrastructure during India's second wave of covid-19.

Nigel Adams: We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19. The UK has been the first country to deliver life-saving medical support to India and continues to work closely with the Government of India to identify what support we can provide in the coming days, based on their most pressing needs.As the Foreign Secretary set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 21 April, we have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Since 2015, the UK has given no aid money to the Government of India. The FCDO makes investments and deploys world-leading expertise in areas of mutual interest. Our work in India reduces poverty, tackles climate change and creates new partners and markets for the UK.Following a thorough review, the FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against a challenging financial climate of COVID. Throughout this process, we have strived to ensure that every penny of our aid brings maximum strategic coherence, impact and value for taxpayers' money. We are now working through what this means for individual programmes, in line with UK strategic priorities identified. We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19. The UK is working closely with the Government of India to identify further assistance we can provide in the coming days, based on their most pressing needs.

Anoosheh Ashoori

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what consular assistance has been provided to support British national, Anoosheh Ashoori, who has been detained in Iran since 2017; and whether he plans to grant Anoosheh Ashoori diplomatic protection to support his urgent return to the UK.

James Cleverly: We remain committed to securing the immediate and permanent release of arbitrarily detained dual British nationals in Iran so that they can return to the UK and be reunited with their families. Our Embassy in Tehran continues to request consular access to Mr Ashoori and we have been supporting his family since being made aware of his detention. The Foreign Secretary regularly raises the UK's serious concerns about Iran's practice of detaining foreign and dual nationals directly with Foreign Minister Zarif, most recently on 3 April, and the Prime Minister has raised the issue with President Rouhani, most recently on 10 March. The ambassador in Tehran consistently raises the dual national detainees with the Iran authorities. We remain in close contact with the family on this matter.

India: Coronavirus

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to send (a) oxygen generation plants and (b) oxygen supply to India in response to the covid-19 situation in that country.

Nigel Adams: The UK has been the first country to deliver life-saving medical equipment to India at a difficult time for them in this pandemic. The UK assistance package includes ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks. The first shipment of equipment left the UK on Sunday 25 April 2021, arriving in New Delhi in the early hours of Tuesday morning. It will be used by the Government of India to provide vital medical treatment to those suffering from COVID-19 in India. More than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment, including oxygen concentrators and ventilators, will be sent to India to support the country in its fight against COVID-19.We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19. The UK is working closely with the Government of India to identify further assistance we can provide in the coming days, based on their most pressing needs.

Iran: Overseas Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the 2021-22 reduction in Official Development Assistance funding on (a) the humanitarian response, (b) health, (c) poverty alleviation, (d) food security and nutrition and (e) conflict resolution in Iran.

James Cleverly: The FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in line with the UK strategic objectives set out in the Integrated Review, amid the challenging financial climate of COVID. We have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Allocation decisions took into account a range of factors, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of draft business plans and sectoral analysis of key trends. Impact on beneficiaries of UK aid, on supply partners and on equalities were all considered.

Iraq: Overseas Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect the 2021-22 reduction in Official Development Assistance funding on (a) the humanitarian response, (b) health, (c) poverty alleviation, (d) food security and nutrition and (e) conflict resolution in Iraq.

James Cleverly: The FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in line with the UK strategic objectives set out in the Integrated Review, amid the challenging financial climate of COVID. We have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Allocation decisions took into account a range of factors, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of draft business plans and sectoral analysis of key trends. Impact on beneficiaries of UK aid, on supply partners and on equalities were all considered.

India: Overseas Aid

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 April 2021 on FCDO update, Official Report HCWS935, how much Official Development Assistance his Department allocated to India to aid its covid-19 response in (a) 2020-21 and (b) 2021-22.

Nigel Adams: We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against COVID-19. The UK is working closely with the Government of India to identify what support we can provide in the coming days, based on their most pressing needs. The UK was the first country to deliver life-saving medical equipment to India. The first shipment of equipment, including ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stock, left the UK on Sunday 25 April 2021, and successfully arrived in New Delhi in the early hours of Tuesday morning.As the Foreign Secretary set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 21 April, global health security and responding to the COVID-19 crisis remains a priority for UK Aid. Following a thorough review, the FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against a challenging financial climate of COVID. We are now working through what this means for individual programmes, in line with UK strategic priorities. The Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget for India, along with the final and audited spend for 2020/21, will be published in due course through the Statistics on International Development website and the FCDO annual report.

Idriss Déby

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Government of Chad in response to the death of the former President of Chad, Idriss Déby.

James Duddridge: I am concerned by the situation in Chad. My thoughts are with those mourning the death of President Déby and others who have died in fighting. The Foreign Secretary and I have publicly called for an end to violence in Chad. It is vital that stability is restored in order to allow for a peaceful, inclusive transition to civilian and constitutional rule.We continue to engage closely with our international partners on developments in Chad. Through our Ambassador (designate) to Chad and our Sahel Envoy, we are holding regular discussions with the US, France and Germany. I have discussed the situation with regional leaders, including on my visit to Nigeria and with the AU's Commissioner for Political Affairs, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye. Ministers have not held discussions with Chad's transitional authorities following the death of President Déby.

Yemen: Food

David Mundell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support private sector food importers in Yemen and the role those importers play in that country's food security.

James Cleverly: The UK is working hard to ensure that vital commercial imports of food and fuel are able to enter Yemen and monitors this closely. Food imports are on track to meet monthly averages, but fuel imports into northern ports are too low. We have successfully lobbied the Yemeni Government to release of eight fuel ships into Hodeidah so far this year. This fuel is critical to the processing and distribution of food by private sector importers. The UK also supports the UN's Verification and Inspection Mechanism to facilitate commercial imports into Hodeidah and Saleef ports, by giving the Coalition confidence that weapons are not coming in on commercial ships. We are also currently considering ways to provide sustainable trade finance for key imports.We continue to urge both the Houthis and Government of Yemen to work constructively with the UN Special Envoy to find a longer-term sustainable solution for the management of Hodeidah port revenues to enable restrictions on imports to be eased.

Chad: Security

Dr Matthew Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Chad and its potential consequences for the wider region.

James Duddridge: The security and humanitarian situation in the Sahel is fragile. Chad plays an important role in regional stability and security. It makes significant contributions to the UN Peacekeeping Mission (MINUSMA) in Mali, the G5 Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force, which is headquartered in N'Djamena and focused on combating terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin. Chad also hosts 495,000 refugees. It is essential that stability is restored and that we see a peaceful, inclusive transition that leads to a civilian, constitutional government.

Oman: Visits Abroad

Clive Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department approved then Minister of State for Europe and Americas Sir Alan Duncan's attendance at the Sultan's Privy Council in Oman on (a) 7-8 January 2017, (b) 6-7 January 2018 and (c) 5-6 January 2019.

James Cleverly: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) did not approve Sir Alan Duncan's attendance. These visits were carried out in a private capacity.

Pakistan: Marriage

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act in Pakistan.

Nigel Adams: Pakistan's Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 sets the minimum marriage age at 16 years for girls and 18 years for boys. Sindh is the only province which has passed provincial legislation to increase the marriageable age to 18 years for both boys and girls. According to UNICEF's State of the World's Children report in 2017 18% of girls in Pakistan are married before the age of 18 years.The UK Government is working to end the harmful practice of child marriage. Through our Aawaz II programme, we are generating data on the costs of child marriage to inform policy and are supporting dialogue for enactment of reformed Child Marriage Restraint Bills in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The programme is also working with communities to change social behaviours towards this issue. Our work also include collaboration with government and civil society to strengthen child protection institutions and Juvenile Justice System (including establishment of child courts) to improve delivery of services and rights for children.

Global Environment Facility: Climate Change

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department plans to publish the 2021-22 Official Development Assistance funding allocation for the Global Environment Facility Special Climate Change Fund.

James Duddridge: In 2018, the UK pledged £250 million as core funding for the Global Environment Facility. This is paid over four years (2018-2022) with annual payments of £62.5 million. We will be making the 2021/22 payment later this financial year. The Government does not intend to make an additional contribution to the Global Environment Facility's Special Climate Change Fund this year.

Overseas Aid

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what impact assessment was undertaken on the potential effect of the reduction of the official development assistance budget on research on emerging infections from animals or zoonoses.

James Duddridge: The seismic impact of the pandemic on the UK economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions, including temporarily reducing the overall amount we spend on aid to 0.5% of GNI. Despite this, the UK remains a development superpower, with an ODA budget on track to exceed £10bn this year. FCDO ODA will be targeted to addressing seven global challenges facing the world poorest which includes global health security and research and technology.FCDO will now work through what this means for individual programmes, in line with the priorities we have identified.

Yemen: Armed Conflict

David Mundell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the final report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen to the UN Security Council, published on 25 January 2021, what steps his Department is taking to scrutinise the (a) activity and (b) expert members of that panel.

David Mundell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the Final report of Panel of Experts on Yemen for 2020 to the UN Security Council.

James Cleverly: The Panel of Experts on Yemen provides a vital role in monitoring the implementation of the sanctions regime and the conflict, including highlighting the destabilising role Iran is playing and their investigation into the Houthi attack on Aden Airport. The panel's most recent report made recommendations to improve the accountability and transparency of the Government of Yemen and Central Bank of Yemen. The UK is providing technical support and advice to both institutions to enact much needed reforms, and to this end we regularly engage with the Panel of Experts. We note the successful appointment by the UN Security Council of a new finance lead to the Panel of Experts, and the UK remains committed to supporting the valuable work of the Panel.

Overseas Aid

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the reductions in Official Development Assistance funding to programmes specifically addressing (a) water, sanitation and hygiene, (b) global LGBT rights, (c) gender equality and (d) violence against women and girls in (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23.

Wendy Morton: The decision to reduce the overall amount we spend on ODA is temporary, the Government will return to 0.7% once the fiscal situation allows and this is confirmed in the Integrated Review. On this specific issues highlighted in the question, the UK remains committed to advancing gender equality with the Gender Equality Act 2014 legally requiring all overseas development funding to meaningfully consider the impact of how it will contribute to reducing gender inequality. The UK also remains committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and we are combining our aid programming, policy leadership and diplomatic strength to take full advantage of the opportunities that 2021 offers to drive more concerted global action, including co-leading a global 'Action Coalition' on gender based violence as part of Generation Equality. We remain a leading global voice on LGBT rights and continue to fund projects in support of this aim. Our support to global health - which embraces many aspects of WASH, also remains a top priority for the UK Aid budget.Final audited spend for 2020/21 will be published in the Annual Report and Accounts. Final 2020 spend will be published in Statistics on International Development in the autumn this year and will contain detailed breakdowns of the UK's ODA spend for 2020.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that people living in the Tigray region of Ethiopia are not subject to sexual violence as a result of the conflict in that region.

James Duddridge: The UK is appalled by reports of atrocities including widespread rape and other forms of sexual violence perpetrated by different armed groups in Tigray. This is unacceptable. The protection of civilians is at the core of the UK's response to the crisis. British Embassy staff conducted a specific protection mission in Shire in Tigray on 4-7 April. It included the assessment of the current Gender-Based Violence response, specific emergency services provided in camps and the gaps that need to be filled. They interviewed staff and volunteers supporting survivors of sexual violence to identify essential activities required to address the immediate needs of the survivors as well as the accountability needs.The G7, under the UK Presidency, issued a statement on 2 April condemning human rights violations and abuses and sexual and gender based violence. The UK also condemned in the strongest terms the reported killings of civilians and acts of sexual violence via a joint statement on Ethiopia with 41 other countries at the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council. We support the UN's call for a "zero tolerance" policy and welcome the UN Security Council's 22 April Press Statement expressing their deep concern about allegations of human rights violations and abuses, including reports of sexual violence against women and girls in the Tigray region. The UK will support the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to ensure that their joint investigations into atrocities in Tigray with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission are independent, transparent and impartial and that those responsible for these human rights abuses are held to account.

Tigray: Armed Forces

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the number of Eritrean forces in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.

James Duddridge: We believe a substantial number of Eritrean troops have been deployed to Tigray. As I [Minister Duddridge] made clear to the Eritrean Ambassador on 16 March, and through our joint statements at the Human Rights Council on 26 February and by the G7 on 2 April, Eritrean troops (as well as other parties to the conflict) stand accused of atrocities and their continued presence is fuelling insecurity and preventing desperately needed humanitarian access. There must be an end to the fighting and all Eritrean forces must leave Ethiopia immediately, in line with the commitment made by Prime Minister Abiy in his announcement on 26 March. We have yet to see any evidence that Eritrean forces are leaving Tigray - in fact, we have received reports of Eritrean troops wearing Ethiopian National Defence Force uniforms, as well of new Eritrean forces deploying. We will continue pressing for this commitment to be delivered.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussion his Department has had with its counterparts in Ethiopia on resolving the conflict in the Tigray region.

James Duddridge: Since the conflict started, the UK has consistently called for an end to fighting, and for all parties to the conflict to prioritise the protection of civilians. We have, and will continue to advocate that a political process is essential to bring a full end to fighting and a sustainable settlement for Tigray. The Foreign Secretary raised these points when he met with Prime Minister Abiy on 22 January and pressed for a political dialogue to bring a lasting peace to Tigray. He also discussed the importance of credible elections in maintaining peace and stability. Ensuring security, freedom of the media and allowing political parties to organise and campaign are critical to credible elections. I also pressed for political dialogue to end the conflict when I spoke with the Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK on 24 February, and have spoken with regional partners and the UAE on this issue.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of reports that people living in the Tigray region are subject to starvation as a result of the war in that region.

James Duddridge: The UK has been consistent in calling for the protection of civilians in Ethiopia, unfettered humanitarian access, and respect for human rights. We are deeply concerned about the impact of the conflict on food security and nutrition in Tigray, including reports of people dying from hunger. UK-funded aid agencies in Tigray are delivering support in challenging circumstances, including food, shelter, water and healthcare. A joint humanitarian and political team from the British Embassy in Addis Ababa visited Tigray 4-5 March, 4-7 April and the week of 19 April. They met with the provisional administration of Tigray, the Mayor of Mekelle, the Interim Head of Administration in Shire and with humanitarian agencies working in the region. They spoke directly to people displaced by violence and heard harrowing accounts of human rights violations.Since the conflict started, the UK has consistently called for an end to fighting, and for all parties to the conflict to prioritise the protection of civilians. Currently 4.5 million are in need of food aid. I [Minister Duddridge] shared the UK's concerns on food security with the International Development Committee on 18 March. To date the UK has provided £19 million of badly needed support to people in Tigray.

Overseas Aid

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the reduction of the Official Development Assistance Budget for 2021-22 on employment opportunities in the UK research and Science sector.

James Duddridge: The seismic impact of the pandemic on the UK economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions, including temporarily reducing the overall amount we spend on aid to 0.5% of GNI. Despite this, the UK remains a development superpower, with an ODA budget on track to exceed £10 billion this year. FCDO ODA will be targeted to addressing seven global challenges facing the world poorest which includes research, science and technology.FCDO will now work through what this means for individual programmes, in line with the priorities we have identified. It is too soon to estimate the net effect on the UK research and science sector. UK universities, research institutions, businesses and entrepreneurs are and will continue to be key science and technology partners for FCDO. The full science settlement (ODA and non-ODA) means that overall public funds for UK scientists and innovators in 2021/22 are expected to increase compared to 2020/21.

Colombia and Peru: Organised Crime and Peace Negotiations

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish the most recent programme summaries for the (a) Colombia Peace Programme and (b) Peru and Colombia: Serious Organised Crime Programme.

Wendy Morton: The CSSF programme summaries for 20/21 will be published by Cabinet Office before Parliament rises for summer.

Colombia: Politics and Government

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the Government plans to publish the programme summary for the Police Innovations for Stabilisation in Colombia Programme.

Wendy Morton: The £2.1 million Police Innovations for Stabilisation in Colombia multi-year project was launched in 2020 and is supporting the transformation of the Colombian National Police. The intervention aims to contribute to the modernization of the police service by scaling up and improving police practices with a preventive approach, focusing on i) Community-based police prevention; ii) Transformation of large-scale social conflicts from a rights-based approach; and iii) Gender mainstreaming. This work is part of the CSSF Colombia Peace and Stabilisation Programme.The CSSF programme summaries for 20/21 will be published by Cabinet Office before Parliament rises for summer.

Chile: Press Freedom

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has raised with (a) his Chilean counterpart and (b) the Chilean Ambassador in the UK the matter of media and press freedom in Chile following findings in the 9 report by the Centre for Investigative Journalism, published on 9 April 2021 alleging that the Chilean army has monitored journalists covering corruption and human rights abuses.

Wendy Morton: We understand that this issue is under investigation by Chile's judiciary.On the wider issue of media and press interest in Chile, I refer the Honourable Member to my answer of 27 April to question 187278.

China: Coal Fired Power Stations

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Chinese counterpart on decreasing that country's use of coal-fired power stations.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign Secretary raised the importance of action and cooperation on climate change with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on 28 July 2020. As the UK looks forward to hosting COP26 in Glasgow later this year, COP President Designate Alok Sharma spoke with China's Energy Minister Zhang Jianhua on 30 October 2020, and on 5 February this year met virtually with China's Special Envoy for Climate Change Minister Xie Zhenhua. COP President Designate raised coal on both occasions. Officials regularly engage on energy and climate change with their Chinese counterparts.We will continue calling on and working with China to deliver ambitious action to tackle climate change, both bilaterally and through international platforms. Following President Xi's commitment at the US Leaders' Summit on 22 April to reduce China's use of coal between 2026 and 2030, we will continue to engage with China to provide further details on how it will strictly control, and reduce, domestic coal consumption. Furthermore, to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement we must rapidly accelerate the global transition from coal to clean energy. In support of this we are working with China, as well as other financiers of international coal, through our COP26 energy transitions campaign in collaborating to make renewables more attractive than coal power every time.

Indo-Pacific Region and South Asia

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which countries are included within his Department's definition of the Indopacific and South Asia region.

Nigel Adams: The Indo-Pacific Directorate-General in the FCDO has lead responsibility for relations with the following countries and territories: India and Indian Ocean (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka), North East Asia (China, Hong Kong, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea (DPRK), South Korea (RoK), Taiwan), South East Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam) and Oceania (Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu). There is close coordination with other departments leading work on neighbouring countries, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan.

China: Overseas Aid

Mrs Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the reduction to Official Development Assistance on the UK’s foreign aid budget for China.

Nigel Adams: As the Foreign Secretary set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 21 April, we have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Following a thorough review, the FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against a challenging financial climate of COVID-19. Throughout this process, we have strived to ensure that every penny of our aid brings maximum strategic coherence, impact and value for taxpayers' money. We have cut FCDO aid programming to China by 95 per cent in 2021, focusing the remaining programme funding on specific programmes that support British values around open societies and human rights. We are now working through what this means for individual programmes, in line with UK strategic priorities identified.

Corruption: Sanctions

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021, whether he plans to introduce a system allowing for non-governmental actors to provide information on corrupt actors.

Nigel Adams: We recognise the important role non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play in countering corruption globally. We have published an information note for NGOs designed to help NGOs engage with the sanctions regime, which provides further information on the regime's purpose and scope and the information required in considering designations.

Corruption: Sanctions

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021, what plans he has to ensure transparency on the use of such sanctions; and if he will provide quarterly reports to Parliament on the (a) amounts of assets frozen, (b) visas denied, (c) types of assets frozen and (d) requests received for the delisting of people or entities under those regulations.

Nigel Adams: The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 includes a number of reporting obligations. As required by Section 30 of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 the Government will report annually to Parliament on all sanctions regulations.The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of HM Treasury, undertakes an annual frozen asset review. This requires all persons that hold or control funds or economic resources that are owned, held or controlled by a designated person and subject to UK financial sanctions to report them to OFSI. OFSI also gathers information through the exercise of its statutory powers. HM Treasury does not disclose information about individual assets held in the UK. The Home Office does not comment on individual cases with respect to travel bans.

Refugees

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the reduction in Official Development Assistance funding on the effectiveness of programmes providing safe passage and support for refugee and displaced persons.

Nigel Adams: The UK is at the forefront of responding to forced displacement globally and we remain committed to supporting refugees and displaced persons. We continue to champion the principles of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), with its focus on longer term support that enables refugees to find work, access education and other key services, while also benefitting host communities and countries. The UK endorsed the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) in 2018, the first international framework for cooperation on migration. The UK resettled over 20,000 refugees fleeing the brutal conflict in Syria through the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). This included those requiring urgent medical treatment, survivors of violence, torture, and women and children at risk to safely rebuild their lives in the UK.Following a thorough review, the FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against a challenging financial climate of COVID. The portfolio agreed by the Foreign Secretary will focus our investment and expertise on issues where the UK can make the most difference and achieve maximum strategic coherence, impact, and value for money. FCDO will now work through what this means for individual programmes, in line with the priorities we have outlined.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant of the Written Statement of 21 April 2021 on FCDO update, Official Report HCWS935, if he will make it his policy to rollout covid-19 vaccines in the UK and overseas in parallel.

Wendy Morton: The UK is committed to rapid equitable access to safe and effective vaccines. We are among the largest bilateral contributors to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), committing £548 million in 2020 to support vaccinations in low and middle-income countries. Our contribution included a match funding pledge that helped encourage $1 billion of commitments from other donors.From February 2021, COVAX AMC participants have received vaccines as their National Deployment and Vaccination Plans (NDVPs) are assessed as ready to receive and deploy vaccines. The UK's support and contribution to COVAX has helped it reach its milestone to supply vaccines to over 100 countries and economies.

Overseas Aid

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the average proportion is of the reduction in funding for projects funded from the official development assistance budget following the announcement of a reduction of £120 million in that budget for financial year 2021-22.

Nigel Adams: Unfortunately, we are unable provide a response to this question given that the question does not clearly state which budget the member is referring to.

Egypt: Ethiopia and Sudan

Mr Jonathan Lord: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps the UK Government has taken to help improve relations between Egypt and (a) Sudan and (b) Ethiopia in response to the recent tensions between those nations.

James Cleverly: The UK continues to urge all parties involved in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute - Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan - to come to an agreement on the filling and operation of the dam. We support the African Union's (AU) efforts to promote an agreement that ensures water resources are managed in a sustainable way for all parties.We continue to engage all three Governments, alongside the US and EU as observers to the AU-led process, including through the UK Special Envoy for the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. The Minister for Africa raised the issue with the Ethiopian Ambassador on 24 February. I discussed the matter with the Egyptian Ambassador on 22 April 2021. We are also urging for a peaceful solution to the current border dispute between Sudan and Ethiopia.

Libya: Overseas Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the 2021-22 reduction in Official Development Assistance funding on (a) the humanitarian response, (b) health, (c) poverty alleviation, (d) food security and nutrition and (e) conflict resolution in Libya.

James Cleverly: The FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in line with the UK strategic objectives set out in the Integrated Review, amid the challenging financial climate of COVID. We have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Allocation decisions took into account a range of factors, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of draft business plans and sectoral analysis of key trends. Impact on beneficiaries of UK aid, supply partners and equalities were all considered.

UNRWA

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department plans to publish the 2021-22 Official Development Assistance funding allocation for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

James Cleverly: As set out at the International Development Committee last week, budgets would not normally be set out this early in the year. The normal process is for country allocations to be published by the Statistics for International Development. That process will not take place until 2022.

Corruption: Sanctions

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021, whether he has plans to create an Independent Expert Advisory Group to (a) advise him on the implementation of such sanctions, (b) ensure that objective criteria are applied consistently in respect of such sanctions and (c) review the delisting of people or entities under those regulations.

Nigel Adams: UK sanctions are smart tools that are carefully targeted to achieve their goals, while minimising potentially negative wider impacts. Designations under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 may only take place where the relevant legal tests as set out in the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 and the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021 are met.The policy note that we have published alongside the regulations sets out some of the factors relevant to the consideration of designations under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021. These factors include HMG's wider anti-corruption priorities and the scale, nature and impact of the serious corruption in question, among others.Under section 22 of the Sanctions Act, if at any time the Minister responsible for a designation considers that the designation criteria are not met, the Minister must revoke the designation. Periodic reviews of autonomous sanctions designations will take place every three years under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. Designated persons may also request an administrative review of their designation, and, if this does not result in the designation being varied or revoked, may make further requests if there is a new significant matter to consider.

Middle East and North Africa: Overseas Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the reduction in Official Development Assistance funding on non-governmental organisations' (a) programming and (b) levels of in-country staff to deliver programmes in (i) Yemen, (ii) Syria, (iii) the Occupied Palestinian Territories, (iv) Lebanon, (v) Turkey, (vi) Egypt, (vii) Iraq, (viii) Libya and (ix) refugee settlements in Europe.

James Cleverly: The FCDO has prioritised our reduced Overseas Development Assistance funding in the Middle East and North Africa so that the UK remains a force for good across the region against the challenging financial climate created by COVID-19. We are prioritising essential humanitarian assistance to those worst affected by conflict and COVID-19, notably in Syria and Yemen. We are continuing to focus on education and getting vulnerable girls into school and will also continue to support conflict resolution and stabilisation, open societies. Alongside our current programmes, we will also begin new programming to tackle climate change.

Iran: Uranium

James Sunderland: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications on his policies of confirmation by the International Atomic Energy Agency in April 2021 that Iran is enriching uranium to 60 per cent fissile purity.

James Cleverly: The announcement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on 17 April that Iran had started uranium enrichment up to 60% using advanced centrifuges is a serious and deeply worrying development. This is the latest step in Iran's continued and systematic non-compliance with its nuclear commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). The production of highly enriched uranium is an important step in the production of a nuclear weapon. Iran has no credible civilian need for enrichment at this level.The UK has made multiple official level representations to the Iranians on this issue, both bilaterally and as the E3 alongside the governments of France and Germany. As the E3 said in a statement on 14 April, this step is contrary to the constructive spirit and good faith of discussions in Vienna that have the objective of finding a rapid diplomatic solution to revitalise and restore the JCPoA.We continue to work with the parties to the JCPoA and the US Administration to seize the diplomatic opportunity for a full return to the JCPoA. We call upon Iran to avoid any escalatory measures which make a return to mutual compliance harder to achieve.

Palestinians: Elections

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that Palestinian elections can go ahead in May 2021 freely as planned.

James Cleverly: The UK is working closely with the Palestinian Authority and international partners to support Palestinian elections. The Foreign Secretary met Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr Riad Malki on 22 April and urged parties to continue towards free and fair elections. I spoke to the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 19 April to reiterate the importance of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem being permitted to vote in Palestinian Legislative Council elections. We will continue to encourage the Palestinian leadership to work toward strong, inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights.

International Development Association: Finance

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the UK's funding contribution is to the World Bank International Development Association for 2021-22.

James Duddridge: Donor contributions to the current International Development Association (IDA) replenishment are expected to be paid in over the period from July 2020 to June 2023. The UK pledged £3,062 million to this replenishment and we have contributed £995 million towards this to date. Our final specific funding allocations for 2021-22 will be published in due course. However, the 2021/22 Spending Review confirmed that the UK would remain the largest donor to this replenishment.

Turkey: Overseas Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of the 2021-22 reduction in Official Development Assistance funding on (a) the humanitarian response, (b) health, (c) poverty alleviation, (d) food security and nutrition and (e) conflict resolution in Turkey.

Wendy Morton: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against the challenging financial climate of COVID. UK Aid will continue to prioritise humanitarian support and conflict resolution as part of its core priorities for poverty reduction. Allocation decisions took into account a range of factors, including qualitative and quantitative analyses of draft business plans and sectoral analysis of key trends.The UK's contribution to the EU's Facility for Refugees in Turkey (FRIT) remains unaffected by the decision to reduce UK ODA from 0.7% to 0.5% of GNI, in line with Article 155 of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. The UK will continue to meet direct contribution commitments to the FRIT for the duration of the programme.

Richard Moore

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, for what reason his Department's then director general for political affairs Richard Moore not register the hospitality he received at the Sultan's Privy Council in Oman on 5-6 January 2019.

James Cleverly: As per FCDO Senior Officials' Guidance, we do not disclose hospitality from other Governments whether in or outside the UK.

Special Envoy for Girls' Education

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many times (a) he, (b) Ministers of his Department and (c) officials of his Department have met with the Special Envoy for Girls Education to discuss the allocation of Official Development Assistance funding to girls education for 2021-22.

Wendy Morton: Since her appointment on 16 January by the Prime Minister as the Special Envoy for Girls' Education, Helen Grant MP has been supported by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) officials, and works closely with the Foreign Secretary and myself.She does not, however, have a role in girls' education funding decisions, and has not been part of the allocation process for 2021/22 Official Development Assistance. Her dedicated role supports and contributes strongly to a joined-up, UK Government promotion of the girls' education agenda, particularly in this critical year of UK leadership through our G7 Presidency, and co-hosting of the Global Education Summit.

Colombia: Bombings

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of reports that several children were killed in a military bombing raid against illegal armed groups in Guaviare, southern Colombia on 2 March 2021.

Wendy Morton: The UK remains extremely concerned by the continued recruitment of minors by illegal armed groups in Colombia. We most recently raised this issue on 21 April at the UN Security Council meeting, at which the UN Secretary General's Special Representative presented his quarterly report on Colombia's peace process. We urged all armed groups to immediately release all minors from their ranks, also expressing our concerns about the tragic deaths of minors during Government operations against armed groups in Guaviare last month, and welcomed the Government's investigation into these deaths.The UK is an active permanent member of the United Nations Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC), which leads the international response to violations committed against children in conflict. We regularly raise concerns with the Colombian Government, and at the UN, and will continue to do so.

Chile: Press Freedom

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the report by the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIPER), published on 9 April 2021 alleging that the Chilean army has monitored journalists covering corruption and human rights abuses, what recent assessment his Department has made of the level of media and press freedom in that country.

Wendy Morton: Chile's legal and constitutional framework provides for freedom of expression, including for the press. The Chilean media provides a high level of scrutiny of the government and politics, and continues to play an important role in national political life as the country continues its constitutional reform process.In February, Chile became the 44th member of the Media Freedom Coalition, which the UK helped establish in order to defend and advocate for media freedom, and the safety of journalists where under threat. Members of the Coalition have all signed a written commitment to improving media freedom domestically, and working together internationally.

Syria: Coronavirus

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the delivery of covid-19 vaccines via the COVAX facility in Syria are not (a) disrupted and (b) manipulated by the Syrian Government.

James Cleverly: The UK provides £548 million globally to the COVAX initiative which enables equitable access to vaccines. The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines were delivered to Syria on 22 April, with 203,000 doses via Damascus and 53,800 doses delivered into north west Syria.The COVAX initiative is led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which works closely with stakeholders, including development partners to ensure robust governance and programme management to deliver the vaccines to those in need. UNICEF is the designated global supply agency for COVID-19 vaccines via the COVAX facility and follow rigorous monitoring and reporting measures. The UK is confident that any risks to COVAX vaccine delivery and aid diversion by the regime and other bad actors are mitigated by the efforts of UNICEF and our partners. As such it is crucial that UN Security Council Resolution 2533 on cross-border aid access into north west Syria is renewed.

Voluntary Service Overseas

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant of the Written Statement of 21 April 2021 on FCDO update, Official Report HCWS935, what the specific value is of Official Development Assistance allocated to VSO.

Wendy Morton: The Foreign Secretary announced that we would provide funding to Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) this year in his statement on ODA allocations to Parliament on 21 April. We have offered VSO funding for the V4D programme until the end of this financial year 2021/22. Officials have also started discussions with VSO on our future relationship.

Colombia: Human Rights

Chris Stephens: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Colombian Government’s investigation into alleged human rights abuses by the police during protests in that country on 9 and 10 September 2020.

Wendy Morton: We are clear that we support the right of all Colombians to protest peacefully. We look to the Colombian authorities to investigate fully the excessive use of force against protesters, and take appropriate action against those responsible. Security services must be held accountable for their actions, with all complaints thoroughly investigated.UK Ministers and officials regularly raise human rights issues with their Colombian counterparts, and we will continue to do so. Most recently, the UK's Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, raised our concerns around media freedom, sexual violence, and the killing of human rights defenders during her virtual visit to Colombia in February.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Written Questions

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to respond to (a) Question 181267, on Francis Maude Associates, and (b) Question 181266, on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Pay, tabled on 15 April 2021 by the hon. Member for Wigan.

Nigel Adams: An answer to both of these questions was issued on 28 April 2021.

Myanmar: Rohingya

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2021 to Question 175792 on Myanmar: Rohingya, what further representations he has made in addition to those set out in that Answer to his Burmese counterparts on the recent (a) coup and (b) military and civilian violence in Myanmar.

Nigel Adams: The UK is clear in its condemnation of the coup and the appalling violence which has left 750 people dead. We continue to call publicly for a return to democracy and the release of all those in arbitrary detention, including democratically elected politicians, journalists, civil society and foreign nationals.We have secured strong statements at the G7 and UN Security Council, including a Presidential Statement which condemned the violence and called for respect for the democratic transition and human rights. We will continue to work with partners to apply pressure on the military junta.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Ministerial Policy Advisers

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, for what reasons his Department has not yet published information on the gifts and hospitality received by its departmental special advisers in line with the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisors for the periods (a) April to June 2020, (b) July to September 2020 and (c) October to December 2020; and when he plans to publish that information for each of those time periods.

Nigel Adams: Information on gifts and hospitality received by FCDO Special Advisers for the periods (a) April to June 2020, and (b) July to September 2020 can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/spads-data.Information pertaining to the period (c) of October to December 2020 will be published at the same link in due course, in accordance with timelines set out by the Cabinet Office.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Recruitment

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps his Department has taken to encourage recruitment to the regular armed forces from (a) Wakefield and (b) West Yorkshire.

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps his Department has taken to encourage recruitment to the armed forces reserves from (a) Wakefield and (b) West Yorkshire.

Leo Docherty: The Armed Forces recruit nationally and do not operate a specific policy of increasing recruitment from particular geographic areas. Armed Forces Career Offices are spread across the UK with approximately a dozen across Yorkshire, including in Leeds and Bradford, and are complemented by dedicated call centres and online recruiting operations, ensuring that all communities have the same recruitment opportunities. During the pandemic, the Armed Forces have conducted COVID-secure outreach programmes and virtual careers events, supported by web-based information services and social media campaigns.

Clyde Naval Base and RNAD Coulport: Radioactive Materials

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many nuclear safety events there have been at (a) Coulport and (b) Faslane in each of the last three years.

Jeremy Quin: The table below provides the number of Nuclear Site Event Reports (NSERs) at Coulport and Faslane recorded for 2018, 2019 and 2020. These are shown according to their categorisation using criteria agreed locally in 2015. Nuclear Site Events - 2018Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport022116Faslane0062386 Nuclear Site Events - 2019Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport001413Faslane0154688 Nuclear Site Events - 2020Category ACategory BCategory CCategory DBelow ScaleCoulport000026Faslane0012696 In line with industry good practice, and in common with other defence and civil nuclear sites, Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde has a well-established system for raising NSERs and investigating and categorising them according to their safety significance, whether equipment failures, human error, procedural failings, documentation shortcomings or near-misses. The safety significance of all reported events remains low and they are all below Level 1, the lowest level of the seven-point International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES). None of the events caused harm to the health of any member of staff at the Naval Base or to any member of the public, and no event resulted in any unauthorised discharge of radioactive waste to the environment.

Defence: Procurement

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to include reform of parliamentary scrutiny of procurement within the broader reforms in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, published in March 2021.

Jeremy Quin: The Defence Command Paper has set out the Government's intent for defence capability and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy sets out how we will work with industry to achieve this. We will continue proactively to publish information on MOD procurement, including the Annual Report and Accounts, and the Equipment Plan. The Government envisages that the Defence Select Committee will continue to be a focus for the parliamentary oversight and scrutiny of the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Ministry of Defence, while the Public Accounts Committee draws on the work of the National Audit Office to examine the value for money of Government projects, programmes and service delivery.

Radioactive Waste: Dalgety Bay

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 15 April 2019 to Question 241447 on Radioactive Waste: Dalgety Bay, whether the first stage of the remediations has been completed; and whether the second stage remains on target to be completed in 2021.

Jeremy Quin: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

AWE: Contracts

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has paid to AWE Management Ltd under the Atomic Weapons Establishment management and operation contract in each year since 2000.

Jeremy Quin: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Defence: Procurement

Owen Thompson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether plans in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, published in March 2021 to reform the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations as part of the broader government review of procurement regulations will include the incorporation of new transparency procedures in the Green Paper on Transforming Public Procurement, published in December 2020.

Jeremy Quin: The Ministry of Defence is part of the Cabinet Office led programme seeking to reform the UK’s public procurement regime, with a proposal to rationalise the current Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) within a new single, uniform set of rules for all contract awards. As recognised in the Green Paper on Transforming Public Procurement, there may be a need to adopt different rules in specific sectors or to protect our national interest. We recognise the importance of transparency for demonstrating confidence in the integrity of the process and encouraging suppliers to participate in defence procurements, but no decisions have yet been taken on which new transparency procedures will apply to defence procurements.

Army: Scotland

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of officers of the rank of Colonel and above in the British Army are stationed in Scotland.

James Heappey: Trade Trained Regular Army Strength and UK proportion of Paid Rank Colonel and above stationed in Scotland as at 1 January 2021   1 January 2021Number13UK Proportion2.1%Source: Analysis (Army) Notes/Caveats: The figures are for the Trade Trained Regular Army only and therefore exclude Gurkhas, Full Time Reserve Service, Mobilised Reserves, Army Reserve and all other Reserves, but includes those personnel that have transferred from GURTAM to UKTAP.The proportion refers to Colonels and above stationed in Scotland as a percentage of all Colonels and above in the UK. The percentage calculation excludes Colonels and above stationed overseas.The information is based on an individual’s stationed location. Where personnel are deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location, the information above reflects their stationed location prior to this deployment. The same applies to those personnel who are administered by APC as a part of the Resilience Margin, but are not physically located in Scotland.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2021 to Question 181105, on Ethiopia: Armed Conflict, whether he has investigated whether military support vehicles approved under UK export licences for military goods to Ethiopia on (a) 14 July 2020, (b) 25 October 2017, (c) 21 May 2015, (d) 20 May 2015, (e) 2 February 2012 and (f) 14 March 2011 were used in the recent military operation in Tigray.

James Heappey: Export licences are the responsibility of the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) in the Department for International Trade. All these licences for military goods to Ethiopia granted to commercial end users for use in the mining and agricultural industries. At the time these licences were issued ECJU were content that they were being exported for the indicated end use and would not be diverted for military use in an armed conflict. ECJU conducts rigorous risk assessments before a licence is issued to consider whether goods might be used in a way which is inconsistent with the Consolidated Criteria, as well as exercising powers to revoke or suspend extant licences when circumstances dictate. This assessment looks at the information picture in the round, taking into account information from a range of sources.

Oman: Official Hospitality

Kenny MacAskill: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a list the (a) items and (b) value of hospitality received by the Chief of the Defence Staff and his predecessor in connection with their attendance at the Sultan's Privy Council in Oman on (i) 5-6 January 2019, (ii) 6-7 January 2018 and (iii) 7-8 January 2017.

James Heappey: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft: Repairs and Maintenance

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what contracts are in place with UK companies to support and maintain F-35.

Jeremy Quin: The F-35 Joint Program Office places contracts to support and maintain the global fleet of F-35 aircraft, including those operated by the UK. It places the support and maintenance contracts through its two main prime contractors, Lockheed Martin and Pratt and Whitney. These two companies then place contracts across and through the F-35 global supply chain, including UK based companies. These include maintenance and repair contracts, initial and replenishment spares, and technical support.Further to my answer to the hon. Member on 2 March 2021 to questions 158864 and 158865, I will be writing to him shortly regarding UK industrial content in the F-35 programme.

Radioactive Materials: Safety

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many safety improvement notices have been issued by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator in each year since 2010.

Jeremy Quin: The table below provides the number of Improvement Notices issued by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator since 2010. 201022011-2012-2013-2014-2015-201622017120182201922020120211

Warships

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 3 July 2019 to Question 269749 on Trafalgar Class Submarines, what the latest information is on the base ports of those submarines.

Jeremy Quin: The base port of HMS TALENT was transferred to Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde in July 19 however her base port is temporarily HMNB Devonport, whilst she undergoes a maintenance period. She will return to HMNB Clyde on completion of the maintenance. The base port of HMS TRIUMPH will change to HMNB Clyde on completion of her refit, which is expected to be later this year.

Submarines: Decommissioning

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress has been made on the Submarine Dismantling Project.

Jeremy Quin: I refer the hon. Member to the information on the Submarine Dismantling Project provided in "The United Kingdom's future nuclear deterrent: the 2020 update to Parliament" published on 17 December 2020.  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-united-kingdoms-future-nuclear-deterrent-the-2020-update-to-parliament/the-united-kingdoms-future-nuclear-deterrent-the-2020-update-to-parliament

HMS Queen Elizabeth: Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the majority of F-35s deployed on Queen Elizabeth's voyage to the Indo-Pacific will be US Marine Corps aircraft.

James Heappey: HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH will embark 18 F-35Bs for CSG21 in two squadrons: eight from the UK's 617 Squadron RAF and 10 from the US Marine Corps squadron VMFA-211. The Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers are international by design and the fact they can operate a mixed US/UK air group is a strategic advantage, offering choice and flexibility to both nations.

Department for Work and Pensions

Social Security Benefits: Payments

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer on 20 April 2021 to Question 179299 on Social Security Benefits: Payments, how many cases her Department's Serious Organised Crime team has (a) investigated and (b) prosecuted fully in each of the last five years.

Will Quince: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Child Maintenance Service: Compensation

Navendu Mishra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much has been paid to Child Maintenance Group customers in compensation for distress in (a) 2019-20 and (b) 2020-21.

Guy Opperman: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Child Maintenance Services: Complaints

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many complaints were received by the Child Maintenance Service in (a) 2020 and (b) 2019.

Guy Opperman: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Kickstart Scheme

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many eligible young people have been referred to the Kickstart scheme to date.

Mims Davies: As of 22nd April 2021, our Work Coaches have made over 603,000 referrals to Kickstart jobs. Young people on the Kickstart Scheme can be referred to multiple Kickstart jobs and several young people can be referred to each job.Once a referral is made, individual employees interview, review and hire young people to placements as they would for other jobs.

Universal Credit

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to increase data sharing with local authorities on universal credit.

Will Quince: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Universal Credit

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of sharing universal credit data with local authorities to help improve local responses to poverty.

Will Quince: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Poverty: Children

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has plans to bring forward further legislative proposals to help tackle child poverty.

Will Quince: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

State Retirement Pensions: National Insurance

Wendy Chamberlain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) men and (b) women (i) built up a qualifying year towards the state pension by paying National Insurance Contributions, (ii) built up a qualifying year towards the state pension through National Insurance credits and (iii) did not build up a qualifying year towards the state pension in (A) 2011-12 and (B) the latest year for which figures are available.

Guy Opperman: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Occupational Pensions: Females

Kirsten Oswald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the effects on women of so-called clawback clauses in occupational pension schemes.

Guy Opperman: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Work Capability Assessment

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department plans to take to identify claimants for face-to-face work capability assessments when they restart in May 2021.

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential meris of prioritising New Style and Contribution-based employment support allowance claimants nearing 365 days since starting their claim for face-to-face work capability assessments.

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the resumption of face-to-face assessments, what steps her Department plans to take to minimise the number of New Style and Contribution-based employment support allowance claimants reaching the 365 day limit without having received a work capability assessment.

Justin Tomlinson: Following their suspension in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be resuming WCA face-to-face assessments from next month. Initially, these will only be for those who we are unable to fully assess by other channels.We are committed to assessing people as quickly as possible in order that they receive the benefit they are entitled to. The resumption of face-to-face assessments, together with our enhanced capability and improved processes for telephone assessments, will allow us to do this. Furthermore, we are prioritising for assessment contributory Employment and Support Allowance claims that have exhausted or are at risk of exhausting.

Post Office Card Account

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Government has made of the potential effect on elderly people and people with mobility issues in towns and villages without bank branches of the discontinuation of the Post Office card system.

Guy Opperman: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

State Retirement Pensions: National Insurance

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of reforming the qualification criteria for the State Pension to include part year National Insurance contributions.

Guy Opperman: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Social Security Benefits: Reviews

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish details of the Internal Process Reviews completed by her Department from April 2019 to November 2020.

Justin Tomlinson: Internal Process Reviews are internal retrospective investigations, focussed on organisational learning. They are internal reviews that check if process was followed, to encourage learning and to drive change through the Department. We have no plans to publish any Internal Process Reviews, but will continue to follow our duties under the Freedom of Information Act in line with the 2016 First Tier Tribunal ruling in relation to what information can lawfully be disclosed. Our priority is that claimants get the benefits to which they are entitled promptly and receive a supportive and compassionate service. In the vast majority of cases this happens but when, sadly, there is a tragic case we take it very seriously and seek to learn any lessons as appropriate.

Child Maintenance Services: Maladministration

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total value of consolatory payments paid out for poor customer service by the Child Maintenance Service was in the 12 months since 16 March 2020.

Guy Opperman: The Department is unable to provide the data in respect of the total value of consolatory payments paid out for poor customer service by the Child Maintenance Service in the last 12 months. Data for 2020/21 is currently being finalised as part of the end of operational year activities. Combined DWP figures for maladministration and redress are published in the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts.

Social Security Benefits: Fraud

Lee Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the Government is taking to tackle benefit fraud.

Will Quince: Where fraud is committed, the Department takes its responsibility to investigate it very seriously, and takes appropriate action. There are currently nearly 7,000 staff working in DWP’s Counter Fraud & Compliance Department, and many of these are involved in Investigations and Compliance work. We are currently undertaking an ambitious recruitment programme which will significantly increase staffing levels by the end of 2021/22, further expanding our counter-fraud capacity. Where fraud occurs, our Investigators are committed to the use of appropriate penalties and to recovering monies from the perpetrators. To facilitate this, we continue to work with other Government departments and law enforcement agencies nationally and across borders to ensure appropriate intelligence and resources are shared, enabling the totality of any criminality to be identified and investigated. It is at the same time important that the Department actively prevents fraud from happening, and the Department has optimised its digital capability and organisational design to enable this. The Chancellor announced £45m at the Spring Budget for the development of this prevent approach. This funding will enable us to expand our Integrated Risk and Intelligence Service (IRIS), develop pre-payment ‘risking’ techniques (Transaction Risking) and maintain our new Enhanced Checking Service, a team which intervenes on high risk claims before they get in to payment. IRIS has developed a series of rules to help flag up potential risky claims, which allows DWP to undertake additional checks ahead of any payment and thereby prevent people from making fraudulent claims. Where people seek to use monitor social media platforms to promote ways to bypass normal benefit processes, we work with those platforms to ensure such posts are taken down.

Industrial Health and Safety: Coronavirus

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that workplaces are implementing the recommendations from covid-19 risk assessments.

Mims Davies: Businesses must control the risks in their workplace including those from COVID-19. The first step is to conduct a risk assessment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has detailed web guidance on COVID risk assessments which complements information on Gov.UK about Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) and that published by the Welsh & Scottish Governments. Businesses are responsible for implementing the controls identified by this risk assessment. HSE and Local Authorities use a range of interventions to influence, encourage and advise business and, where necessary, hold to account those who fail to meet their responsibilities. Throughout the pandemic, HSE has engaged with businesses through the three stage Spot Check process which includes phone calls and, where face to face contact is necessary, site visits. Determining whether businesses have implemented the controls identified by this risk assessment is a central part of the process. HSE has to date conducted 183,632 COVID related spot checks in 2020/21.

Health and Safety Executive

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish a classification of the matters being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive for the 2020-21 annual reporting period.

Mims Davies: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has no plans to routinely publish the classification of the matters being investigated.For information, Table 1 below provides details of incidents which occurred in 2020/21 which were investigated or are under investigation following a report received under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).Please note these figures do not include 183,632 COVID related spot checks carried out by HSE in 2020/21 RIDDOR INVESTIGATIONSCountDangerous Occurrences260High fall (over 2m)152Contact with machinery146COVID-19 non-fatal134Dangerous Gas Fittings112Struck by object92Other ill health88COVID-19 fatal68Low fall (up to & inc. 2m)67Struck by moving vehicle59Another kind of accident48Slip, trip, fall same level40Injured by an animal32Trapped by something collapsing32Exposure to harmful substance23Struck against20Gas Incidents19Contact with electricity16Exposed to fire16Lifting and handling injuries13Physical assault10Fall (height not known)8Drowned or asphyxiated5Exposed to explosion5TOTAL1465Table 2 below provides details of workplace concerns which were raised in 2020/21 and investigated or are still under investigation by an Inspector. CONCERNSCountConstruction2211Gas391COVID*1192Other5813Pesticides37Working Time5TOTAL9649  Table 2 *in the reporting year 2020/21, HSE dealt with almost 21,000 COVID related workplace concerns with the majority being resolved by the national Concerns and Advisory Team without the need to be passed to an Inspector for investigation.

Health and Safety Executive: Staff

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many frontline (a) enforcement officers and (b) inspectors were employed on average in the Health and Safety Executive for the 2020-21 annual reporting period.

Mims Davies: On average, in 2020/21, HSE employed (a) 85 full-time equivalent (FTE) visiting health and safety officers and (b) 967 FTE Inspectors.1. Please note that HSE does not use the category ‘enforcement officer’. Visiting health and safety and Inspector figures are provided, as published in The Annual Report and Accounts.967 inspectors is the total number of staff in all grades and roles, including trainees, managers and specialists with warrants.

Industrial Health and Safety: Coronavirus

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Health and Safety Executive’s operational database, for what reason the Health and Safety Executive had not brought a prosecution against an employer for breach of covid-19 workplace regulations as at 16 February 2021.

Mims Davies: HSE has published an Enforcement Policy Statement which sets out the general principles and approach to enforcement and is available here.In England & Wales, the decision to prosecute is made by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and in Scotland by the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service. HSE follows the Code for Crown Prosecutors and in order for a prosecution to go ahead there needs to be sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and that the prosecution is in the public interest.HSE will always act in the public interest and look to pursue cases where there is sufficient evidence to take action, and it is in the public interest to look to secure a prosecution.

Kickstart Scheme

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applications to create Kickstart scheme placements have been rejected by her Department to date.

Mims Davies: As of 22nd April 2021, just over 13,000 Kickstart applications have been rejected.We are working to ensure that young people eligible for Kickstart have access to good quality jobs. This means that applications must provide evidence of how the roles created will beboth meaningful and provide long-term employability support for our young people. We continue to have robust checks in place to protect taxpayers’ money.There has been over 195,000 jobs approved by the scheme.

Bereavement Support Payment

Neale Hanvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the take-up rate of the Bereavement Support Payment since its introduction in April 2017.

Guy Opperman: It is not possible to accurately measure take-up of BSP, out of those who are eligible, by year as this would require monthly data on deaths by age and marital status.

Department for Work and Pensions: Pay

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether any officials in her Department receive remuneration for paid work for organisations or companies outside of government.

Guy Opperman: On 23 April, the Cabinet Secretary wrote to the Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the management of outside interests in the Civil Service. The Committee published this letter on 26 April. It can be found here:https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5623/documents/55584/default/ The Cabinet Secretary’s letter sets out a series of steps to improve processes. This programme of work will also take account of any recommendations that emerge from Nigel Boardman’s review. The Civil Service Management Code sets out, at paragraph 4.3.4, the requirement that civil servants must seek permission before accepting any outside employment which might affect their work either directly or indirectly. The applicable principles are those set out in the Business Appointment Rules. The Civil Service Management Code is published here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-servants-terms-and-conditions Where the civil servant is a member of the departmental board any outside employment, as well as other relevant interests will be published as part of the Annual Report and Accounts or other transparency publication.

Work Capability Assessment: Coronavirus

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the letter of 24 March 2021 from the Minister for Disabled People to the Work and Pensions Committee, how many claimants her Department has identified as being ineligible for a remote Work Capability Assessment in each month since the suspension of face-to-face assessments on 16 March 2020 in response to the covid-19 outbreak; and how many of those claimants so identified her Department has now assessed.

Justin Tomlinson: We have interpreted your question to mean how many claimants have been identified as not suitable for a telephone Work Capability Assessment (WCA) in each month since the 16 March 2020; and how many of those claimants have now been assessed. The information requested is not available. Initial guidance for those identified as not suitable for telephone assessments has evolved since WCA telephone assessments were introduced in May 2020. In addition, further case reviews, changes of circumstance or further medical information for example, may lead to a change in advice over whether a telephone assessment is appropriate. DWP continues to work with Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA), to minimise the number of people identified as not suitable for a telephone assessment and we are currently exploring alternative ways of conducting health assessments. For example, we continue to complete paper based assessments and make recommendations based on the written evidence available where possible and have introduced some video assessments where appropriate. We are planning to resume face to face WCAs next month for those who we are unable to fully assess by other channels.

Employment: Young People

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to improve employment rates of young people from (a) Black and (b) Asian backgrounds and if she will make a statement.

Mims Davies: The Government is committed to levelling up and uniting the country, including by improving the employment outcomes of people from ethnic minority backgrounds. The Department has implemented the DWP Youth Offer for all 18 to 24 year olds making a claim for Universal Credit and who are in the intensive work search group. The Youth Offer includes Youth Hubs which are co-located and co-delivered with our network of external partners and Youth Employability Coaches who are flexibly supporting young people with significant complex needs and barriers to help them move into employment, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds as needed. We also have a range of support through our Plan for Jobs Programme, which includes the Kickstart Scheme that is providing funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. We have a national programme of mentoring circles, involving employers offering specialised support to unemployed, young ethnic minority jobseekers. The Government is also considering the recommendations on how to increase opportunity and ensure fairness for all made in the recent independent Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report.

State Retirement Pensions: Reciprocal Arrangements

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the criteria required to agree any new reciprocal social security agreements to cover pensions uprating.

Guy Opperman: The UK has no plans to change its longstanding policy position adopted by all governments for the last 70 + years so no assessment has been made.

Pensions: Canada

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has made an impact assessment of the effect of frozen UK pensions for UK pensioners living in Canada on the (a) household income and (b) health and wellbeing of those pensioners.

Guy Opperman: No impact assessment has been made because the UK has no plans to change its longstanding policy position adopted by all governments for the last 70 + years.

Employment: Wales

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of recent trends in the level of employment in (a) Newport West and (b) Wales.

Mims Davies: The information requested is published and available at:https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp Guidance for users can be found at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp

State Retirement Pensions: Females

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what impact assessment was undertaken on the effect of the equalisation of the state pension age on women.

Guy Opperman: Changes to State Pension age were made over a series of Acts by successive governments from 1995 onwards, following public consultations and extensive debates in both Houses of Parliament. Multiple assessments were made by the Coalition Labour and Conservative governments before changes were made. The legality of this process by successive governments has been extensively tested in the courts, and on both occasions the courts have agreed the legality of the process.

Kickstart Scheme: Employment

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have been offered full-time equivalent employment through the Kickstart Scheme to date.

Mims Davies: We are not currently able to provide this information. As of 22nd April the Kickstart Scheme has approximately 16,600 jobs started by young people but we do not hold information on which employers are offering hours over and above the 25 hours a week minimum.

Child Maintenance Service: Payments

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans the Child Maintenance Service has to change payment plans to reflect fluctuations to gross weekly income; and if she will make a statement.

Guy Opperman: The Service uses gross income information provided by HMRC in the first instance. This approach is consistent for all clients regardless of their employment type and ensures the calculation process is fair, simple and efficient.The scheme is designed so that liabilities remain consistent over the year, with limited changes. The calculation is reviewed annually, and generally only changes during the year if a parent’s income increases or decreases by at least 25 per cent.Where the paying parent has fluctuations in gross weekly income the Service will calculate a liability based on the weekly average of the amounts paid over a period preceding the effective date of the relevant calculation.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate her Department has made of the number of disabled households whose benefit payments will (a) increase and (b) decrease when moved from legacy benefits to universal credit.

Justin Tomlinson: No such estimate has been made. The Managed Migration Pilot remains suspended as the Department continues to focus on delivering its part of the Government’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. SDP transitional payments were available to eligible claimants who were previously entitled to the SDP as part of a legacy benefit and made a Universal Credit claim before the SDP Gateway came into effect on 16th January 2019. We have ensured that a transitional SDP element will be considered for those entitled to SDP who make a claim to Universal Credit following a change of circumstances on or after 27th January 2021.

Employment: Disability

Wendy Chamberlain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, at which jobcentres disability employment advisers are located.

Justin Tomlinson: Disability Employment Advisers cover every Jobcentre in England, Scotland and Wales. They work alongside all Work Coaches, specialising in finding the right support to help customers who have a disability or health condition into work.

Employment: Disability

Wendy Chamberlain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to increase the number of disability employment advisers.

Justin Tomlinson: The government will boost the number of specialist advisers dedicated to helping disabled jobseekers to secure and stay in work, with an additional 315 Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) roles to be in Jobcentre across the UK by May 2021.

Kickstart Scheme

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many eligible young people have applied for Kickstart scheme placements to date.

Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many eligible young people have had applications to Kickstart scheme placements rejected; and how many of those people have had multiple rejections.

Mims Davies: We do not hold this information. Work Coaches will identify young people who meet the relevant criteria and who are most likely to benefit from the support offered by the Kickstart Scheme. The Work Coach will encourage those young people to apply for suitable Kickstart job opportunities directly to the employer. All applications are made directly to the employer and are not recorded centrally. Work Coaches in local Jobcentres will review the progress of applications made by individuals and where they have not been successful they will work with the young person to improve any future applications they are encouraged to make.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work on 7 October 2019, Official Report, column 1480 that around 1 million disabled households will gain on average £100 a month on universal credit compared with legacy benefits, if she will publish the analysis supporting that statement.

Justin Tomlinson: The Department’s internal analysis was based on its INFORM volume forecast model and Policy Simulation Model. The underlying methodology was signed off by the Office for Budget Responsibility and set out in detail in the Welfare Trends Report 2018, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/welfare-trends-report-january-2018. The Department will publish full analysis comparing the benefit entitlement of UC claimants and legacy claimants in due course.

Employment: Disability

Wendy Chamberlain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many disability employment advisers have been employed by her Department in each of the last five years.

Justin Tomlinson: The number of disability employment advisers employed by the department in March:-2018 was 4652019 was 4412020 was 5462021 was 479Please note that we only have figures back to March 2018 because around that time we updated our business systems and any figures before this update are no longer available. The demand for DEA’s in March 2020 was 500 and this coming year is 1000 so we will be recruiting extra staff to meet this target by March 2022.The government will boost the number of specialist advisers dedicated to helping disabled jobseekers to secure and stay in work, with an additional 315 Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) roles to be in jobcentres across the UK by May 2021.

Support for Mortgage Interest

Bambos Charalambous: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has plans to reduce the waiting period for universal credit claimants to receive support for mortgage interest payments.

Guy Opperman: The Department currently has no plans to amend the qualifying period for Support for Mortgage Interest for Universal Credit claimants.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Fishing Catches: Territorial Waters

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 January 2021 to Question 141502, on Fishing Catches: Territorial Waters, what progress has been made on establishing the mechanism to allow data exchange.

Victoria Prentis: The European Commission is supplying the UK with records of catches of quota species by EU vessels from the UK EEZ on a monthly basis. Defra officials remain engaged in ongoing technical conversations with the European Commission to establish a mechanism to allow sharing of additional data to support implementation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Territorial Waters

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which coastal waters have been re-designated as Class A waters from Class B waters.

Victoria Prentis: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has recently undertaken a review of E.coli testing data for Class B shellfish harvesting areas in England and Wales, which identified eleven new areas that meet the requirements for seasonal Class A classification for at least five months of the year. This includes shellfish waters in Kent, Essex, Dorset, Cornwall and Northumberland. Further details of the locations of these waters can be found on the FSA’s website at:https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/classification-list-1-april-2021_0.pdf

Seasonal Workers: Pilot Schemes

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that licenses are granted in a timely manner to operators of the Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme.

Victoria Prentis: Defra is seeking two new scheme operators, who will join the current operators (Concordia and Pro-Force Limited) in operating the extended and expanded Seasonal Workers Pilot for 2021. Selecting the additional operators is a two-stage process. Defra conducts the first stage, via a Request for Information exercise. The organisations selected are then endorsed by Defra to apply to the Home Office for the relevant sponsor licence. Defra is working closely with the Home Office to deliver a good outcome for the sector and we hope to say more on this very soon.

Zoo Animals Fund

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the Zoo Animals fund is being effectively used to safeguard the future of British Zoos.

Victoria Prentis: The Zoo Animals Fund was introduced to provide for zoos who, due to a coronavirus-related drop in income are experiencing severe financial difficulties and need support in caring for their animals. If zoos are downsizing or rehoming their collection the fund can also provide support for this to ensure the animals’ welfare. We have taken many steps to make the Zoo Animals Fund accessible to those who need it including expanding the range of eligible costs so zoos could claim for costs relating to pre-planned essential maintenance and repair works as well as animal care costs, replacing the 6 week criteria and allowing applicants to apply at any time before reaching their final 12 weeks of reserves to help with their business planning and extending the fund several times. We recently extended the application deadline from 26 February 2021 to 28 May 2021 to give zoos more time to apply and have extended the support provided from the end of March 2021 to the end of June 2021. The Zoo Animals Fund has supported a wide variety of zoos throughout the pandemic, from some of the smallest to some of the biggest – and it continues to do so. It has helped ensure the continued welfare of zoo animals and prevent unnecessary euthanasia. Only two applications have been rejected on the basis that the businesses in question were ineligible as they did not have the necessary licence or exemption. Fund recipients have reached out to express how funding has supported their animals and what a difference it has made to them to receive this help. From 12 April zoos have been able to welcome back visitors, reopening their outdoor areas as part of step two in the roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions. Allowing zoos to re-open has been an integral step towards enabling them to initiate a financial recovery. We encourage zoos in need of support in caring for their animals to apply to the Zoo Animals Fund and we will continue to work closely with the sector on reopening guidance to ensure that zoos and aquariums are able to welcome visitors safely.

Dogs: Imports

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,  whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of banning the import of dogs with cropped ears.

Victoria Prentis: The practice of mutilating dogs' ears is abhorrent and has rightly been banned in the UK for 15 years. We already have some of the world's highest animal welfare standards. The end of the transition period has opened up new opportunities for managing our own pet travel and commercial importation rules. We are actively listening to the concerns of stakeholders and the Government is considering options regarding the importation and commercial movements of dogs with cropped ears into Great Britain in line with World Trade Organization rules. Importers of animals must adhere to welfare standards as set out in Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and in domestic legislation, The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 (WATEO). This legislation aims to protect the health and welfare of animals during transportation and applies to dogs that are suffering injury as a result of non-exempted mutilations including cropped ears. The Government also continues to raise awareness regarding the improper selling of pets by deceitful sellers in the UK and abroad through our 'Petfished' campaign. This seeks to educate prospective pet buyers on common tricks and tactics used by deceitful sellers which may result in the purchase of a mistreated or unwell pet, including those that have been subject to cropping. The campaign urges buyers to mitigate risks, for example by buying from trusted sellers such as those under the Kennel Club's Assured Breeder scheme, viewing puppies with their mothers and siblings, asking questions of the seller and following the Animal Welfare Foundation and RSPCA Puppy Contract to ensure that puppies are in good health when purchased.

Fishing Catches: Cetaceans

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to eliminate bycatch of (a) dolphins, (b) porpoises (c) whales and (d) other sensitive species; and if he will set out annual targets to reduce bycatch.

Victoria Prentis: The UK Government funds Clean Catch UK which is a collaborative research programme dedicated to better monitoring and mitigation of sensitive marine species bycatch in UK fisheries. We also fund a comprehensive and well-respected bycatch monitoring programme which helps to reduce any potential fisheries impacts on sensitive marine species, including cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises and whales). In addition, we have recently let a ten-year contract for the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, which conducts research on threats facing sensitive marine species. This research contributes to better monitoring and mitigating of such threats, including bycatch. The Fisheries Act's ecosystems objective contains a requirement to "minimise, and where possible eliminate bycatch of sensitive marine species". We will set out policies that will help to achieve this objective in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) which is a UK-wide policy document. The JFS will be published 24 months after the Fisheries Act received Royal Assent, in late 2022.

Seafood Response Fund

Chris Loder: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help small fishing vessels, that have catches below the minimum threshold, to obtain support from the Seafood Response Fund.

Victoria Prentis: The Seafood Response Fund did not have restrictions based on minimum vessel size but did utilise a minimum sales threshold of £10,000 recorded on sales notes supplied by registered buyers and sellers of fish between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019. The scheme was targeted in this way to ensure that Defra only supported businesses that participated in the seafood sector on a fulltime basis. Wider government support was available for businesses impacted by COVID-19, and the £10,000 threshold ensured the fisheries scheme represented value for money and was targeted at commercial fishing businesses that were reliant on seafood as their main source of income. The Government remains committed to supporting the seafood sector, including small fishing vessels, and at the last Spending Review we announced £32.7 million in funding to support the sector. In England some of this funding is being used to deliver the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, which will provide grant funding for projects that help seafood businesses of all sizes adapt to new export conditions, recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and achieve other sector priorities. Businesses outside England should contact their own fishing administrations to see what other support may be available.

Pigeon Racing

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the UK leaving the EU on cross-Channel pigeon racing.

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations he has made to his EU counterparts on the effect of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 on cross-Channel pigeon racing.

Victoria Prentis: Changes to EU law from 21 April 2021 affect the movements of certain live animals. As a consequence of this change, racing pigeons are considered to be in scope of the definition of ‘captive birds’ and the requirements for imports into the EU would apply. These include export certification and a period of quarantine prior to export to the EU. Defra has sought technical clarification from the European Commission on the new rules as they apply to movements of racing pigeons, including how an EU derogation for racing pigeons might be granted, and we are actively seeking a response.

Seasonal Workers: Pilot Schemes

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to make the Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme permanent.

Victoria Prentis: On 22 December 2020, the Government extended the Seasonal Workers Pilot for one year and expanded the number of visas from 10,000 to 30,000. The extension and expansion of the Pilot for 2021 will allow the Government to further test how the Pilot operates, while helping farmers and growers adjust to changes in the labour market, brought about by the introduction of the Points Based Immigration System on 1 January 2021, and to ease some of the pressure felt on farms when they are at their busiest. Defra understands the importance of seasonal labour in supporting a successful and effective agricultural and food sector, and is working closely with the Home Office to ensure there is a long-term strategy for the food and farming workforce.

Agriculture: Waste Management

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the existing legislative framework on agricultural waste management.

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of  legislation on the containment of phosphates from agricultural waste within catchment areas.

Rebecca Pow: Defra is committed to our ambitious targets in the 25 Year Environment Plan (found here) and are working to leave the environment in a better state than we found it. In England there are several agricultural regulations on how farmers manage their use of nutrient rich material, including phosphorus, to protect water quality, biodiversity and human health. Some examples include: The Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations (2015), which control the application of nutrient rich material to land within designated areas vulnerable to the impact of excess nutrients. Further guidance can be found here on gov.uk. The Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil) (England) Regulations (2010); also known as SSAFO which set minimum standards for storage of organic manures to protect the environment. Further guidance can be found here on gov.uk. The Farming Rules for Water regulations (2018) which standardises good farm practices, including but not limited to where, when and in what conditions nutrient rich material (including those containing phosphorus) should and should not be spread. This includes not spreading manure within 10m of a watercourse to avoid diffuse pollution. Further guidance can be found here on gov.uk. The Government is currently reviewing these regulations to ensure that any future reform makes them as effective as possible in protecting our environment while minimising costs to business.

Environment Protection: British Overseas Territories

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding his Department allocated to environmental projects in the UK Overseas Territories in each of the last five years.

Rebecca Pow: The funding allocated by Defra to environmental projects in the UK Overseas Territories through Darwin Plus and the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund is set out below: YearFunding (£m)2016-73.12017-85.62018-93.82019-205.82020-215.7

Water Industry (Schemes for Adoption of Private Sewers) Regulations 2011

Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 January 2021 to Question UIN 132840, what steps have been taken since the response to that question to seek views on making separate regulations in relation to private waste-water pumps similar to the Water Industry (Schemes for Adoption of Private Sewers) Regulations 2011 concerning the adoption of those assets by sewerage companies; and what steps his Department plans to take to ensure publication of that consultation.

Rebecca Pow: Since my Answer of 15 January 2021 to PQ 132840, my officials have established the timeline for taking forward the work to seek to implement Section 42 and to consider the question of supplementary regulations to adopt existing sewerage assets, such as private wastewater pumps, constructed since 2 July 2011. We will be engaging with key stakeholders from May 2021. This will enable us to develop possible policy options with the necessary public consultation on those options and our assessment of costs and benefits for early 2022. The consultation will be public and will be available on Citizen Space.

Air Pollution

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the recommendations of the coroner in the Prevention of future deaths report in the case of Ella Kissi-Debrah, if he will take steps to ensure that the WHO’s guidelines on particulate matter are used as minimum requirements in the setting of targets on tackling air pollution.

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to improve public awareness of the sources of information on national and local pollution levels.

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to improve the (a) accessibility and (b) usability of air pollution information and data published by his Department.

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will fund a national public health campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of air pollution.

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish the Government’s evidence to the coroner in the case of Ella Kissi-Debrah.

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made for the implications of his policies of the research from Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation on the number of schools and colleges located in areas with fine particulate matter  over levels recommended by the World Health Organization.

Rebecca Pow: Our thoughts continue to be with Ella’s family and friends. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths report and respond in due course. We know that air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health, and although air pollution has reduced significantly over the last decade, there is more to do. The World Health Organization has praised our Clean Air Strategy as "an example for the rest of the world to follow". We know there is a strong case for taking ambitious action on PM2.5 as it is the pollutant that has the most significant impact on health. That is why we are introducing a duty to set a PM2.5 target – alongside at least one additional long-term air quality target - in the Environment Bill. We have always been clear that we will consider the World Health Organization’s guidelines for PM2.5 at part of this process. Defra provides a wide range of air quality data and air quality information on the online UK Air Information Resource, known as UK-AIR, including a five-day forecast from the Met Office on predicted air pollution levels, allowing members of the public, particularly those who are most likely to be affected by such pollution, to take action. UK-AIR also provides the most up-to-date information on measured pollution levels via the national network of air pollution monitors and provides Public Health England advice on practical actions and steps people can take to minimise the impact of these events. However, it is clear that there is a lack of awareness about the availability of this information and we need to consider how to address this. Evidence submitted to the Coroner to assist his inquiry cannot be disclosed without his permission. We will work with the Coroner to consider what evidence can be published with the Government’s response to the Prevention of Future Deaths Report. We welcome Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation’s (BLF) report and senior officers recently met with Asthma UK and the BLF to discuss its findings and wider air quality issues.

Peat Bogs: Fires

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the recommendations of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature UK Peatland Programme, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of banning the burning of peat.

Rebecca Pow: While there continues to be scientific debate over aspects of the environmental impact of managed burning, there is a large and increasing body of literature that provides evidence that overall managed burning is damaging to peatland. This literature includes a systematic evidence review published by Natural England in 2013 synthesising the findings from 124 studies. We have always been clear of the need to phase out rotational burning of protected blanket bog to conserve these vulnerable habitats. This is why we have brought forward legislation that will limit burning of vegetation on protected deep peat. This legislation represents a crucial step in meeting the Government’s nature and climate change mitigation and adaptation targets, including the legally binding commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We will be setting out further measures to restore, protect and manage England’s peatlands this year as part of a package of measures to protect England’s landscapes and nature-based solutions.

Public Footpaths: Dorset

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Planning Inspectorate received the revised Habitats Regulations Assessment from Natural England in respect of proposals for the coastal path between Kimmeridge and Highcliffe; whether there will be a public inquiry into the issues raised; and whether representations and objections raised within the last three years will be taken into account in any such inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

Rebecca Pow: Defra received the outcome of the revised Habitats Regulations Assessment from Natural England in respect of proposals for the coastal path between Kimmeridge and Highcliffe on 3 March 2021. We will pass the revised Habitats Regulations Assessment to the Planning Inspectorate in due course, so that it can be considered as part of their investigation into the objections relating to this stretch. As stated in the ministerial response of 11 February 2021 and 23 March 2021, the Planning Inspectorate plays an independent role in the determination of objections relating to stretches of the England Coast Path. The way in which this is taken forward is a decision for the inspector appointed to investigate the objections. It would not be appropriate for the Secretary of State to comment on this process, including as to whether a public inquiry will be undertaken. The Secretary of State will comment on the proposals, objections and representations when making his determination on the approval of the stretch.

Members: Correspondence

Mr John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of 3 February,  3 March and 6 April 2021 on his constituent with reference JB31264.

Rebecca Pow: I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member. A reply has been prepared and will be issued very shortly.

Microplastics: Environment Protection

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his plans are for protecting the environment from intentionally and non-intentionally added microplastics.

Rebecca Pow: Our priority is preventing plastic from entering the environment in the first place, be that the freshwater, marine or terrestrial environment. In 2018 the UK launched one the world’s toughest bans on the sale and manufacture of microbeads in rinse-off personal care products, helping to prevent billions of tiny plastic pieces from entering the ocean every year. This ban was developed based on evidence of harm to the marine environment from microplastics, and specifically evidence of microbeads directly entering the marine environment through the water treatment process. It aimed to create a level playing field between businesses that had already taken voluntary action and those that continued to use microbeads. Pre-production plastic pellets are another major source of microplastics with between 5-53 billion pellets lost every year during the production of plastic in the UK. We support Operation Clean Sweep, an international initiative coordinated in the UK by the British Plastics Federation which aims to reduce plastic pellet loss to the environment. At the British-Irish Council Marine Litter Symposium in 2019, Ministers from all Administrations recognised the need to reduce the loss of pre-production plastic pellets and committed to learn from a trial supply-chain approach in Scotland which was completed in 2020 and can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/preventing-plastic-pollution-pellet-loss-taking-supply-chain-approach-reduce-pollution-waste/

Tree Planting: Northern Ireland

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the Northern Ireland Executive to increase the level of woodland planting to match the rest of the UK.

Rebecca Pow: We are committed to increasing tree planting across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by the end of this parliament. Forestry policy is a devolved matter. Many sector organisations operate at UK level, and we continue to engage with the devolved administrations on these issues. Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots announced in 2020 the next stage of the Forests for our Future programme by launching a grant scheme to encourage and help landowners plant woodlands. This will help to meet Northern Ireland’s pledge to plant 18 million trees by 2030 and create 9,000 hectares of new woodland.

Air Pollution

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the number of medical centres that are located in areas with fine particulate matter over levels recommended by the World Health Organisation; and what steps he is taking to protect patients and healthcare professionals using and working in those centres.

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of care homes that are located in areas with fine particulate  matter over levels recommended by the World Health Organisation; what steps he is taking to protect care home residents from air pollution.

Rebecca Pow: We have not made such estimations. However, we recognise that air pollution poses the biggest environmental risk to public health and is a particular threat to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, the very young, and those with existing health issues. That is why through the Environment Bill we are committing to set new air quality targets, including a new concentration target for PM2.5 which will act as a minimum standard across the country. Setting and subsequently meeting these ambitious targets will deliver very significant public health benefits. Additionally, as we review our Local Air Quality Management Framework, we will outline specific measures to protect those most vulnerable to the effects of air pollutants.

Air Pollution: Death

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the coroner's Report to prevent future deaths following the inquest into the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah, what estimate he has made of the effect of reducing national limits for Particulate Matter in line with the World Health Organisation's guidelines on the number of deaths from air pollution in the UK.

Rebecca Pow: Our thoughts continue to be with Ella's family and friends. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths report and respond in due course. We know there is a strong case for taking ambitious action on PM2.5 as it is the pollutant that has the most significant impact on health. That is why we are introducing a duty to set a PM2.5 target - alongside at least one additional long-term air quality target - in the Environment Bill. The costs, benefits and distributional impacts of any measures to meet air quality targets on businesses and wider society will be assessed as part of our development of targets under the Environment Bill Framework. They will be included in an Impact Assessment which will accompany a public consultation on environmental targets in early 2022. To inform this analysis, we have asked the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants for expert advice to ensure we are taking account of the latest health evidence. World Health Organization guidelines will also be considered to inform target development.

Forests: Wykeham

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what environmental impact assessment has been undertaken on the proposed closure of Forestry England’s Wykeham nursery in Yorkshire.

Rebecca Pow: Following a detailed review of future tree seedling supply needs, Forestry England proposes to close Wykeham nursery and to concentrate production at its Delamere nursery facilities. The nurseries exist primarily to supply trees for Forestry England; the closure at Wykeham will not impact upon current or future tree planting ambitions nationally or by Forestry England. The proposed closure does not require a formal Environmental Impact Assessment, though assessment of any future plans for usage of the site will need consideration under the relevant regulatory processes.

Litter: Tobacco

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to tackle tobacco waste litter.

Rebecca Pow: We believe that the tobacco industry must take responsibility for the litter created by their products. Our most recent composition survey found cigarette butts represent 66% of all littered items, and preliminary research has shown an estimated cost to UK local authorities and other duty bodies of £40 million per year for the collection and disposal of littered cigarette butts, rising to £46 million when including those disposed of in public bins. Last year, I met with tobacco industry representatives and asked them to consider what more they could to address smoking related litter and whether a voluntary producer responsibility scheme could be developed for tobacco waste products. Having considered further evidence, the Government has now decided that a regulatory approach may now be required to ensure that the industry takes sufficient financial responsibility for the litter created by its products and to prevent them from undermining public health policy. We plan to commission new research into regulatory options this year, including consideration of extended producer responsibility principles. The Environment Bill will allow us to legislate for extended producer responsibility schemes, which could be applied to tobacco products. Cigarette and tobacco product packaging is already covered by the proposed packaging producer responsibility scheme, which is currently undergoing a second phase of consultation.

Tree Planting

Wera Hobhouse: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support scientists to bring forward alternatives to plastic tree guards.

Rebecca Pow: Over the lifetime of the 25 Year Environment Plan, we want to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste and our Resources and Waste Strategy sets out how we will achieve this and move towards a circular economy. The Government continues to monitor the development of viable alternatives to the use of plastic tree guards and is committed to encourage recycling and the more thoughtful use of resources. Options for protecting young trees include biodegradable tree guards, temporary fencing and wildlife management, but currently these options are less effective than plastic tree guards in deterring browsers, particularly deer. The forestry sector is carrying out work to develop and trial more effective biodegradable tree guards and other alternatives - the forthcoming England Trees Action Plan will look at how to support this and eliminate unnecessary plastic waste. In the meantime, current practice demands that tree guards should be retrieved after they have reached a point where they are redundant. Plans to collect and recycle the tree guards have been introduced by a number of forestry institutions.

Bees: Imports

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 April 2021 to Question 180582 on Bees: Imports, what steps his Department is taking to minimise the risk that exports from the affected region in southern Italy could enter Northern Ireland via the Republic of Ireland.

Rebecca Pow: The region of Italy affected by Small hive beetle is not permitted to export honey bees, whether to EU member states or to the UK. Imports which are permitted to enter the Republic of Ireland from other EU member states are subject to requirements involving advance notification and health certification to confirm that consignments are free of key pests and diseases including Small hive beetle. Similar requirements apply to imports from any EU country including the Republic of Ireland into any part of the UK. We carry out checks on EU honey bee imports into the UK to ensure that consignments are compliant with the rules.

Buildings: Air Pollution

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what provisions on indoor air quality will be included the Environment Bill; and how those provisions will be enforced.

Rebecca Pow: We recognise the importance of national leadership on the issue of indoor air quality, and we are working across Government with the Chief Medical Officer and the Government Chief Scientific Advisor to coordinate further action, as well as with the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England who are taking the lead on this area. Our Clean Air Strategy also includes measures to reduce emissions from key sources which contribute to indoor air pollution, including measures to reduce emissions of fine particulate matter from domestic solid fuel burning, which are in part delivered through the Environment Bill. However, we consider that building our evidence base is a key first step to ensure that any future interventions are appropriately targeted and effective and that is what we are now focusing on. For example, our Air Quality Expert Group, with support from members of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution, will be producing a report on indoor air quality, focusing on fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds as the air pollutants which are prevalent in indoor environments.

Ella Kissi-Debrah

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals in the Environment Bill in response to the recommendations of the coroner's report following the inquest into the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah.

Rebecca Pow: Our thoughts continue to be with Ella’s family and friends. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths report and respond in due course. We know that air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health, and although air pollution has reduced significantly over the last decade, there is more to do. This is why the Government is continuing to take urgent action to curb the impact air pollution has on communities across England through the world-leading Clean Air Strategy, the landmark Environment Bill, and the delivery of the £3.8 billion plan to clean up transport and tackle nitrogen dioxide pollution at the roadside. We know there is a strong case for taking ambitious action on PM2.5 as it is the pollutant that has the most significant impact on health. That is why we are introducing a duty to set a PM2.5 target – alongside at least one additional long-term air quality target - in the Environment Bill. We have always been clear that we will consider the World Health Organization’s guidelines for PM2.5 at part of this process.

Air Pollution: Monitoring

Geraint Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the coroner's Report to prevent future deaths following the inquest into the death of Ella Kiss--Debrah, what steps he is taking to help ensure that there are enough air quality sensors in local communities.

Rebecca Pow: Our thoughts continue to be with Ella’s family and friends. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths report and respond in due course. Local authorities have statutory duties to review and assess local air quality. Local authorities decide what local monitoring is undertaken in line with national and local priorities, funded by their grant in aid settlement. Over £1 million additional funds from Defra’s 2018/19 Air Quality Grant was awarded for local authorities to pilot and evaluate low cost sensors. In addition, Defra’s national monitoring network is published on the UK Air Information Resource (UK AIR). This is updated in real time to provide a live representation of the national monitoring network. We have invested over £2 million in the last two years into the research and development of emerging sensor and satellite technologies and practical, on the ground trials in order to bring forward new monitoring advancements. Information on sites managed by local authorities and those that make up national networks managed by Defra can be found on UK AIR (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/networks/find-sites and https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/interactive-map).

Niramax Group: Environment Protection

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what environmental enforcement his Department has taken against Niramax since the establishment of that company.

Rebecca Pow: The Environment Agency has taken 19 actions against Niramax Group, including providing advice and guidance once, issuing six warning letters, five enforcement notices, one caution and three court proceedings. Fines totalling £26,000 and costs of £10,500 have been awarded.

Landfill Tax

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many investigations were conducted by the Environment Agency as part of HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive.

Rebecca Pow: The Environment Agency did not conduct any investigations as part of Operation Nosedive. The Operation was led by HMRC and the Environment Agency acted in a supporting role only.

Biodiversity

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of setting specific targets for biodiversity recovery in the UK; and whether the Government has plans to introduce targets for biodiversity recovery.

Rebecca Pow: Domestic biodiversity policy is devolved in the UK and each nation is bringing forward its own plans and policies, while we continue to collaborate on UK-wide approaches to biodiversity recovery. The Environment Bill creates a power to set long-term, legally binding environmental targets for England. It requires the Government to set, and achieve, at least one target in each of four priority areas, including biodiversity. In our policy paper published in August 2020, we set out the objectives for targets currently under consideration. These include improving the condition of our protected sites, increasing species populations, and restoring and improving the quality of habitats, which together would recover biodiversity. Legally binding long-term targets will be supported by interim targets, covering up to five years. These will allow for an ongoing assessment of whether the Government is on track to meet its long-term targets. We will want to ensure that, for biodiversity, these targets align with international goals and targets to be set through the Convention on Biological Diversity for 2030.

Coronavirus: Screening

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that covid-19 testing equipment can be recycled.

Rebecca Pow: We have provided guidance on gov.uk regarding the correct way to dispose of personal or business waste, including face coverings, personal protective equipment and lateral flow devices used for the asymptomatic testing of Covid-19: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-disposing-of-waste. We have looked at recyclability of used devices but given that they are constructed of a number of polymers and contain small quantities of liquid, albeit non-hazardous, there are currently no processes that can recycle them. We have worked very closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, the Environment Agency, Public Health England and other stakeholders to ensure that these are managed as safely and effectively as possible but currently there are no recycling options available. This is under constant review.

Landfill Tax

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the cost to the public purse was of the Environment Agency's involvement in HMRC's investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system, referred to as Operation Nosedive.

Rebecca Pow: The Environment Agency recorded 109 hours against Operation Nosedive between May 2016- July 2018 for relevant Proceed of Crimes Act related activities. There is no related cost schedule.

Air Pollution

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the  potential merits of bringing forward stand alone legislative proposals on clean air.

Rebecca Pow: One of the key commitments in our Clean Air Strategy was to bring forward new legislation on air quality, and the Environment Bill – the first Environment Bill in over 20 years - is a key part of delivering this. The air quality chapter in the Bill makes a clear commitment to set a new target for fine particulate matter, the pollutant of most harm to health, alongside at least one further long-term air quality target. It also ensures that local authorities have a clear framework and simple to use powers for tackling air pollution in their areas, and it addresses a crucial regulation gap by providing government with new powers to enforce environmental standards for vehicles and non-road mobile machinery.Alongside this, we recently passed legislation to phase out the sale of the most polluting fuels, helping to tackle a major source of fine particulate matter emissions in the UK. We have also recently brought forward the Air Quality (Legislative Functions) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, which will enable us to keep our Pollutant Release and Transfer Register legislation up to date with any technical, scientific or international Protocol advances.

Urbaser: Standards

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the performance of Urbaser Ltd in respect of (a) local authority refuse and recycling collections and (b) street cleaning.

Rebecca Pow: Defra has made no assessment of the performance of Urbaser Ltd or any other waste company in respect of local authority refuse and recycling collections or street cleaning. Local councils are responsible for keeping their public land clear of litter and refuse. It is up to councils to decide how best to meet their statutory duty to keep their relevant land clear of litter and refuse.

Air Pollution

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of financial support allocated to local authorities in England to help tackle toxic air.

Rebecca Pow: Local authorities receive grant in aid funding to carry out their statutory local air quality duties. Any new burdens placed on local authorities through the air quality measures in the Environment Bill will be funded by Defra as per the new burdens principle.In addition, Defra’s Air Quality Grant programme provides funding to local authorities for projects in local communities to tackle air pollution. The Government has awarded nearly £70 million in funding since the air quality grant started in 1997. To tackle local nitrogen dioxide exceedances, we are providing £880 million to help local authorities develop and implement local air quality plans and to support those impacted by these plans. We have supported the retrofit of over 3,000 buses with cleaner engines and recently oversaw the launch of the first clean air zone in Bath. We are committed to ensuring that local authorities have access to a wide range of options as they develop plans to address roadside pollution in a way that meets the needs of their communities. A £2 billion package of funding for active travel, which is the largest amount of funding ever committed to increasing cycling and walking in this country, was announced by the Secretary of State for Transport on 9 May 2020. The first £250 million of the £2 billion was allocated in 2020/21 to “quick wins” including the Active Travel Fund and the Fix your Bike voucher scheme.

Nappies: Waste Disposal

Alex Davies-Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to reduce single-use nappy waste by 2042 as part of the 25 Year Environment Plan.

Alex Davies-Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to publish an update on the Life Cycle Assessment of nappies and absorbent hygiene products.

Alex Davies-Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the new Life Cycle Assessment of nappies and absorbent hygiene products, what plans he has to introduce a strategy on tackling the effect of such products on the environment.

Rebecca Pow: In line with the 25 Year Environment Plan, and our Resources and Waste Strategy, we are considering the best approach to minimise the environmental impact of a range of products, including nappies, taking on board the environmental and social impacts of the options available.Potential additional policy measures include standards, consumer information and encouraging voluntary action by business. We are seeking powers, through the Environment Bill, that will enable us to, where appropriate and subject to consultation, introduce ecodesign and consumer information requirements. This could include labelling schemes that provide accurate information to consumers, to drive the market towards more sustainable products. The previous Life Cycle Assessment of disposable and washable nappies dates from 2005, and was updated in 2008. To take account of the latest technological developments we are now funding a new environmental assessment of disposable and washable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) with the primary focus on nappies. This is in progress and is looking at the waste and energy impacts of washable products, disposal to landfill or incineration, and recycling options. It will be published later this year following peer review and will help inform possible future action on AHPs by Government and industry. In order to complete this study and explore feasible options going forward, information is being gathered from industry. I have met with representatives of the Nappy Alliance, and will be meeting with the Absorbent Hygiene Product Manufacturers Association and disposable nappy business representatives shortly.

Mourne Mountains: Fires

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive on the recent fires in the Mourne Mountains.

Rebecca Pow: My department is committed to working closely with our counterparts in the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and there are regular discussions between the Secretary of State and his counterpart in the Executive covering issues of mutual interest to them both.

Fishing Catches

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the onshore economic impacts of the fishing industry outwith the landing and processing of the catch.

Victoria Prentis: The fishing industry will generate economic benefits through a variety of means including: income from UK resident crew; the sale and transportation of catch; the construction, sale, maintenance and repair of vessels; and the development of harbour and port infrastructure. The economic link licence condition ensures that those people who fish the UK’s quota contribute to the UK economy. This is a devolved issue and we have not made an assessment of the impacts.

Agriculture: Seasonal Workers

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Pick for Britain campaign on the agriculture sector.

Victoria Prentis: The 'Pick for Britain' campaign was launched in April 2020 in response to the emerging risks that the COVID-19 pandemic posed to the UK's food supply chain. It was a joint initiative between Defra and industry stakeholders, aimed at promoting picking roles to British workers, particularly those unemployed or on furlough. This campaign, alongside other measures introduced by Defra, helped to ensure that British growers had access to the labour they needed last year. The harvest was brought home without issue in extraordinary circumstances, and with unprecedented interest from UK workers. We know the 'Pick for Britain' website was central to this uptake in interest - it received around 2 million unique page views following its launch, and recruiters featured on the site received significant numbers of enquiries about roles as a result. We are not able to share specific information about jobs, vacancies or recruitment, as this information is commercially sensitive and not held by Defra. Defra has collected feedback and lessons from stakeholders and partners to the 'Pick for Britain' campaign, and will use this to inform future work to promote domestic recruitment across the horticulture sectors.

Genetically Modified Organisms: Licensing

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has for the licensing of genetically modified crops for use in the UK.

Victoria Prentis: Currently no genetically modified (GM) crops are being grown commercially in the UK, but GM products are marketed as food and feed. Defra is committed to following a science-based approach to GM crop approval. Under current rules, GM crops and the products derived from them must be authorised before they can be used. This authorisation is dependent on a favourable risk assessment from our independent scientific experts. Defra’s policy is to maintain high standards that protect people, animals and the environment. Defra is currently reviewing the responses to the Government’s recent consultation on genetic technologies, which included early engagement to start gathering views on wider GM reform. The consultation ended on 17 March and a Government response will be published within three months of it closing.

Poultry: Transport

Dr Dan Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2021 to Question 181231, on Poultry: Transport, what plans his Department has to undertake an impact assessment on the transport of day-old chicks for up to 72 hours following the consultation on improvements to animal welfare in transport that closed on 25 February 2021.

Victoria Prentis: Our consultation stage impact assessment estimated the potential impact of proposals to end live animal exports for slaughter and fattening and introduce further improvements to animal welfare during transport; this covered all relevant species. Our aim was to gather additional evidence through the consultation process to further refine the impact assessment. The public consultation ended on 25 February and we are currently analysing all the responses that we received.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Business Interests

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many and what proportion of officials employed by his Department receive remuneration as a result of working for an organisation or company outside of government.

Victoria Prentis: On 23 April, the Cabinet Secretary wrote to the Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the management of outside interests in the Civil Service. The Committee published this letter on 26 April. It can be found here: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5623/documents/55584/default/ The Cabinet Secretary’s letter sets out a series of steps to improve processes. This programme of work will also take account of any recommendations that emerge from Nigel Boardman’s review. The Civil Service Management Code sets out, at paragraph 4.3.4, the requirement that civil servants must seek permission before accepting any outside employment which might affect their work either directly or indirectly. The applicable principles are those set out in the Business Appointment Rules. The Civil Service Management Code is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-servants-terms-and-conditions. Where the civil servant is a member of the departmental board, any outside employment as well as other relevant interests will be published as part of the Annual Report and Accounts or other transparency publication.

Territorial Waters

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the reclassification of coastal waters as Class A waters from Class B waters was explicitly requested by Government Ministers or reclassified as a result of a routine review.

Victoria Prentis: Defra has worked at pace with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) over the past few months to explore the potential for re-classification of harvesting areas on a seasonal basis where supported by the testing data, to enable more businesses to export live bivalve molluscs to the EU from Class A waters. Existing procedures allow local authorities and harvesters to request a review of shellfish waters. The FSA has additionally revised its procedures so that it will proactively consider seasonal classifications. The outcome of this review was reflected in the classifications listing published on 31 March 2021 on the FSA’s website at:https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/classification-list-1-april-2021_0.pdf.

Home Office

Immigration: EU Nationals

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2021 to Question 181333 on Immigration: EU Nationals, what her Department's policy is in circumstances where an individual who is required to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme is unable to prove that they had reasonable grounds for missing the 30 June 2021 deadline.

Kevin Foster: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution

Carers: Migrant Workers

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make it her policy to expand the list of professions eligible for the fee-free one-year visa extension during the covid-19 outbreak to include care workers; what recent discussions she has had with representatives of care workers on the exclusion of that workforce from that list; what estimate she has made of the number of care workers so affected; and if she will make a statement.

Kevin Foster: It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Dissolution. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Terrorism: Coronavirus

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the capabilities of terrorist organisations.

Kevin Foster: We continue to monitor the potential emergence of new security vulnerabilities as a result of the changed COVID-19 landscape. It would not be appropriate to comment further on operational matters which relate to counter terrorism work.

Proscribed Organisations

Imran Ahmad Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to proscribe extremist groups in the UK.

Kevin Foster: The Terrorism Act 2000 enables a group to be proscribed if it is concerned in terrorism. This means an organisation can be proscribed if it commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes or encourages terrorism (including the unlawful glorification of terrorism) or is otherwise concerned in terrorism. In addition, proscription must be a proportionate action to take. The Government continually keeps the list of proscribed organisations under review.There is no separate regime for banning extremist groups unless they are also concerned in terrorism and satisfy the relevant criteria for proscription.The Government keeps measures to protect our national security under constant review.

British Nationality: Children

Chris Law: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 27 April 2021 to Question 185914 on British Nationality: Children, by what date she plans to have completed her review into fees for immigration and nationality applications in response to the recent Court of Appeal's ruling on citizenship application fees for children.

Kevin Foster: The Home Office has acknowledged the Court of Appeal’s judgment and has committed to reviewing the child citizenship registration fee in line with its duties under Section 55.This review is on-going and the results will be published in due course

Extradition: India

Taiwo Owatemi: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people accused of murder have been successfully extradited to India since the signing of the UK-India Extradition Treaty in 1992.

Kevin Foster: From the available information, there has been one extradition to India for an individual accused of murder during this timeframe. There have been three extraditions from India to the UK for the same offence during this period.

Door Supervisors: Licensing

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many door supervisor licences are being used for the purpose of (a) door supervision and (b) security guarding in the most recent period for which that data is available.

Victoria Atkins: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Immigration Bail

Brendan O'Hara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the destitution of some highly skilled migrants without indefinite leave to remain who have not been issued with immigration bail letters granting them the right to work or benefit from Section 3C leave.

Chris Philp: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Door Supervisors: Licensing

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many door supervisor licences are being used by people in (a) part-time and (b) full-time roles in the most recent period for which that data is available.

Victoria Atkins: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution

Door Supervisors: Licensing

Jeff Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many door supervisor licences are being used (a) by people in static security roles and (b) for the purpose of door supervision at licenced premises in the most recent period for which that data is available.

Victoria Atkins: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Immigration: EEA Nationals

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her Department plans to update the guidance, EU Settlement Scheme: EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, which was last published on 6 April 2021.

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether EU citizens who miss the EU Settlement Scheme deadline of 30 June 2021 because they are unaware of the scheme or that deadline but have no additional vulnerabilities will be eligible for late application.

Kevin Foster: In line with the Citizens’ Rights Agreements, the Government has made clear where a person eligible for status under the EU Settlement Scheme has reasonable grounds for missing the 30 June 2021 deadline for applications by those resident in the UK by the end of the transition period, they will be given a further opportunity to apply. Non-exhaustive guidance on what constitutes reasonable grounds for missing the deadline can be found at pages 26 to 44 of the caseworker guidance, EU Settlement Scheme: EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, which is available here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-caseworker-guidance. This includes where there are compelling practical or compassionate reasons why a person may have been unaware of the requirement to apply to the scheme by the deadline or may have failed to do so, or where a person with a residence document issued under the EEA Regulations was not aware they needed to apply to the scheme.The guidance will be kept under ongoing review and updated as appropriate. It will underpin a flexible and pragmatic approach to considering late applications under the scheme, in light of the circumstances of each case.

Sexual Offences

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2021 to Question 169852, on Sexual Offences, who is responsible for safeguarding people who may be being exploited as a result of receiving sexually explicit emails; and what investigations have been undertaken to date.

Victoria Atkins: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Modern Slavery Act 2015

Anthony Mangnall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2021 to Question 176048 on Modern Slavery Act 2015, when she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to update the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Victoria Atkins: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to incorporate women's groups into discussions with her Department on measures preventing (a) gender-based violence and (b) domestic violence.

Victoria Atkins: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Refugees: Eritrea

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to support Eritrean refugees with acute mental distress.

Kevin Foster: Refugees can access the same NHS health services as UK citizens, including mental health services.

Detention Centres: Hassockfield

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans the Government has to provide accommodation for women released from Hassockfield Immigration Removal Centre to continue their asylum claims.

Chris Philp: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Visas: Voluntary Work

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason people who enter the UK on a visitor visa are unable to volunteer.

Kevin Foster: Visitors to the UK can undertake a wide range of activities, including volunteering. The volunteering should last no more than 30 days in total and be for a charity registered with either the Charity Commission for England and Wales; the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland; or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.Undertaking voluntary work for longer periods of time is provided for in the Temporary Worker – Charity Worker route of the points-based system.

Windrush Generation: Compensation

Stuart C McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 15 April 2021 to Question 179170 on Windrush Generation: Compensation, notwithstanding that her Department does not routinely publish the information requested, how many applicants to the Windrush Compensation Scheme her Department is aware of who have died in the period between applying for and receiving compensation under that scheme.

Stuart C McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to her Answer of 15 April 2021 to Question 179171, on Windrush Generation: Compensation, if she will estimate the number of applications to the Windrush Compensation Scheme that remain outstanding more than (a) two years, (b) 18 months and (c) 12 months after the applicants first submitted those applications.

Priti Patel: The number of cases being worked through the Windrush Compensation Scheme as of 21 April are 1417. Of these 1417 cases:281 have been in the process for 12-18 months;214 have been in the process for over 18 months;5 have been in the process for over 24 months.Windrush Compensation Scheme staff continue to work hard to resolve these claims from the moment they are received and individuals are provided with an update on the progress of their claim on a monthly basis as a minimum, unless they have requested otherwise. A case is finally closed when an individual accepts a final offer or an application to the Scheme is unsuccessful as it does not meet the criteria. All claims will have been considered for a preliminary payment of £10,000 within 6 weeks of eligibility being confirmed under the terms of the Scheme, including these open applications. A preliminary payment is offered as soon as we receive the minimum level of information required to show that they will be entitled to compensation under the Scheme. Some of these people may also have received an urgent and exceptional payment. This policy remains available for those who have an urgent and exceptional need that cannot wait for a payment to be made under the Windrush Compensation Scheme. As of 25 March 2021, the Scheme had offered 362 preliminary awards (totalling £3,620,000); of which 255 (£2,550,000) had been accepted. 228 awards (£2,280,000) had been paid.That said, each person’s claim is deeply personal and requires careful and detailed consideration to understand their individual circumstances and experiences. There are 13 different categories of claim and some individuals’ experiences are more complex than others and it is right we take the time to ensure these are considered carefully. We want people to receive the maximum compensation to which they are entitled and work closely with individuals, for example by contacting other government departments and third parties to help gather evidence to support their claim.This holistic approach necessarily takes time but is ultimately beneficial to individuals.Data on the number of claims received and the number of payments made is published as part of the regular transparency data release which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/windrush-compensation-scheme-data-march-2021. Since April 2019 the Scheme has paid or offered £18 million. Of this, more than £6.1 million have been accepted and paid, an increase of £2 million in one month.We have made fundamental improvements to the Scheme to ensure people receive significantly more money, more quickly. We increased the value of awards for impact on life at every level so everyone will be paid more in this category, with the maximum award increasing from £10,000 to £100,000 (with options for even higher awards in exceptional circumstances). Within six weeks of these changes, we had offered more than we had in the first 19 months of the scheme (at the end of January we had offered £12m) and since the end of December we have more than doubled the amount of compensation paid to individuals (from £2.8m to £6.1m). In December 2018, the Home Office established an Urgent and Exceptional Payments process for those members of the Windrush generation who had an urgent and exceptional need in advance of the Windrush Compensation Scheme. The process remains open for those who need it. The total value of the payments approved as of 29 March 2021 is £104,338.58.

Fraud: Criminal Investigation

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of reports of fraud have been passed on to police forces from Action Fraud for further investigation in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Kit Malthouse: The Home Office publish the number of fraud offences recorded by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) following reports from Action Fraud, Cifas and UK Finance and the number referred to police forces for investigation each year. The latest published figures can be found in Table 4.1 in the link below.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/901030/crime-outcomes-1920-hosb1720-tables.ods

Nitrous Oxide: Crime

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to make the (a) possession and (b) recreational use of nitrous oxide an offence.

Kit Malthouse: No assessment has been made of the merits of making possession or use of nitrous oxide an offence. The Government takes seriously the harms relating to psychoactive substances such as nitrous oxide and it will continue to keep this issue under review and to consider any new or emerging evidence.The supply of substances for their psychoactive effect is an offence. There are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide, such as in medicine, dentistry and as a propellant for whipped cream canisters, but those who supply nitrous oxide who know, or who are reckless as to whether, it will be used for its psychoactive effect may be subject to a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

Sexual Offences

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2021 to Question 169852, on Sexual Offences, whether she has made an assessment of whether there has been an increase in sexually explicit email spam during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kit Malthouse: The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) monitor the number of reports made each month through their online reporting form, which includes those for spam containing adult content. They are currently undertaking analysis to identify the number of valid complaints which specifically relate to adult content, which the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will write to you provide.

Homicide

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) male and (b) female victims of murder were killed in a (a) public and (b) private place, by ethnicity in each of the last three years.

Kit Malthouse: Information on homicide, including the sex and ethnicity of the victim and the location of the offence, is held in the Home Office Homicide Index, a record level dataset of homicides recorded by the police in England and Wales. The requested information is given in Annex A.This information is correct as at 15 December 2020; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available.Information on homicide (xlsx, 15.6KB)

Detention Centres: Hassockfield

Mary Kelly Foy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has plans for work to be used as a form of recreation for women detained at the proposed Hassockfield Immigration Removal Centre.

Chris Philp: Paid activities are provided in immigration removal centres in accordance with Rule 17 of the Detention Centre Rules 2001 to meet the recreational and intellectual needs of detained individuals. Paid activities are entirely voluntary and are offered in addition to a range of recreational activities, such as educational opportunities, access to a library and gymnasium and religious services.Hassockfield immigration removal centre (IRC), due to open in autumn 2021 for around 80 women, will offer services and recreational opportunities focused on the specific needs of women and akin to those available at Yarl’s Wood IRC.

Immigration

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to publish the New Plan for Immigration's evidential annex.

Chris Philp: A consultation process is underway, from which we hope to draw further insights and evidence to inform our thinking. As is routine, an impact assessment will be published alongside the introduction of any Bill.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the level of need to provide physical documentation to prove someone has Settled Status, particularly for people who do not have access to IT equipment or their digital documents.

Kevin Foster: As part of the development of the EU Settlement Scheme, including the policy to provide those granted status with online evidence of immigration status instead of a physical document, consideration was given to the impact on those who may have limited digital skills or access to IT equipment. The Policy Equality Statement for the scheme can be found at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-policy-equality-statement/policy-equality-statement-eu-settlement-schemeSince the launch of the scheme, we have continued to assess the needs of users, and take steps to ensure those who may be less able to interact digitally are not disadvantaged. This has included making information about an individual’s immigration status available automatically through system to system checks, at the point at which they seek to access the public services. Such checking services are already live for HM Revenue & Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions and NHS England, and will reduce the occasions on which an individual has to use the online service to prove their status. We would be pleased to work with NHS Scotland to implement a similar checking service there relating to services which are the devolved responsibility of the Scottish Government if they wish to do so.The UK Government has also put in place additional support services, to help those who require assistance to use the online immigration status service. We have a dedicated phone helpline (the Settlement Resolution Centre) where call operators can support users through the online journey, help them to access or recover their online account, help them to update their personal details and where necessary, share status on their behalf if they are unable to do so themselves. The Settlement Resolution Centre will also be able to assist those who are experiencing technical issues with their online immigration status, and if necessary, enable an individual’s status to be verified through alternative means.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of applications to the EU Settlement Scheme had a processing time of longer than a month.

Kevin Foster: Our aim is to process all applications to the Scheme as quickly as possible. The majority of applications are concluded within 5 working days, but cases may take longer dependent on the circumstances of the case, for example if the applicant is facing an impending prosecution or has a criminal record.The following link lists the expected processing times for EU Settlement Scheme applications, based upon current performance:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-application-processing-times/eu-settlement-scheme-pilot-current-expected-processing-times-for-applications

Immigration: EU Nationals

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's guidance, EU Settlement Scheme: EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, version 11.0, published for Home Office staff on 6 April 2021, what immigration enforcement steps she plans to take in response EU citizens and non-EU family members who do not apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by the deadline for receipt of applications to that scheme of 30 June 2021 in cases where those citizens or family members (a) are deemed not to have reasonable grounds for a late application to that Scheme and (b) fail to make a late application to that Scheme within the 28 day notice period as set out in that guidance.

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's guidance, EU Settlement Scheme: EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, version 11.0, published for Home Office staff on 6 April 2021, what form of immigration status and rights EU citizens and non-EU family members who do not apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by the deadline for receipt of applications to that scheme of 30 June 2021 will have (a) during the 28 day notice period granted to make a late application to that scheme as set out in that guidance and (b) after the 28 day notice period for making a late application to that scheme in the event that those citizens or family members did (i) not make a late application to that scheme during that notice period and (ii) make a late application to that scheme during that notice period and are waiting for the outcome of that late application.

Stephen Farry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has (a) recruited additional immigration enforcement officers and (b) allocated additional funding towards immigration enforcement to anticipate potential increases in the number of undocumented EU citizens being in the UK as a result those citizens failing to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by the deadline of 30 June 2021.

Kevin Foster: Our primary focus is on ensuring all eligible for status under the EU Settlement Scheme make an application before the 30 June 2021 deadline for the status they deserve under UK law. Those who apply before the deadline, but whose application is not decided until after it, will have their rights protected pending the outcome of their application and of any appeal.In line with the Citizens’ Rights Agreements, the UK Government has made clear where a person eligible for status under the EU Settlement Scheme has reasonable grounds for missing the 30 June 2021 deadline for applications by those resident in the UK by the end of the transition period, they will be given a further opportunity to apply.Where a person with reasonable grounds for missing the deadline applies to the EU Settlement Scheme after it, including where they do so after being given a 28-day notice, and is granted status under the scheme, they will, consistent with the Citizens’ Rights Agreements, enjoy the same rights from the time they are granted status as someone who applied before the deadline.Where a person does not have reasonable grounds for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme after the deadline or fails to make an application within the 28-day period, any immigration enforcement taken will be based on consideration of the circumstances of their case.Immigration Enforcement will continue to keep its operational priorities under constant review in the light of the latest intelligence and deploy resources accordingly.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Peter Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of including a downloadable paper application form for the EU Settlement Scheme on the Government website.

Kevin Foster: Where a person needs to apply to the scheme using a paper application form, this can be obtained from the EU Settlement Resolution Centre. This is open seven days a week to provide assistance to applicants over the telephone and by email, including in ensuring they can easily obtain the paper application form appropriate to their circumstances where they need one.Assistance for applicants to the EU Settlement Scheme is also available via a network of 72 organisations across the UK, for which £22 million in grant funding has been made available by the Home Office, and via the Assisted Digital service, which can provide help over the telephone or in person in completing an application online.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the Government will bring forward legislation to grant automatic settled status to (a) all EU nationals and (b) non-EU family members resident in the UK.

Kevin Foster: A declaratory system, under which EU citizens and their family members automatically acquired an immigration status and right to stay by Act of Parliament, but without any record taken, would cause confusion and leave people struggling to evidence their or their parents’ status (where appropriate) in the future.Employers and service providers would also struggle to identify those who benefit from residence rights under the Withdrawal Agreement from those moving to the UK after the end of the transition period who do not. This could lead to EU citizens and their family members who have made the UK their home struggling to prove their rights and entitlements here, which is not something we can allow to happen.By contrast, the EU Settlement Scheme makes it easy for EU citizens resident in the UK by the end of the transition period and their family members to obtain the UK immigration status they need in order to remain here permanently, with the same rights to work, study and access benefits and services as they had before we left the EU.The latest published statistics for the scheme, to 31 March 2021, show it is performing well, with more than 5.3 million applications received and more than 4.7 million grants of status securing people’s rights in UK law. The status is underpinned in UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020, which protects the rights here of EU citizens in line with the Withdrawal Agreement.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Stuart C McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether an employer conducting right-to-work checks after 30 June 2021 will be required to terminate the employment of an EU citizen where a EU citizen is unable to demonstrate proof of their status and has not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Kevin Foster: From 1 July right-to-work checks will change, and all EEA citizens will be required to demonstrate they have a right to work through evidence of their immigration status, rather than their nationality.We will be updating our guidance and communicating with employers in the coming weeks to set out the support available and ensure they are clear on the steps they should take at the end of the grace period.

Scotland Office

Scotland Office: Social Media

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how much his Department spent on social media advertising in each month since October 2020; and on which platforms that money was spent.

Mr Alister Jack: The Office delivers public information campaigns in Scotland to communicate important messages to the public, such as national awareness campaigns and policy initiatives. Total Office expenditure on digital campaigns from 1 October 2020 to 24 March 2021 was as follows:  TwitterFacebook & InstagramLinkedInTotal  ExpenditureOctober 2020£ 1,512.90£ 2,730.61£ 507.54£4,751.05November 2020£ 2,141.13£ 5,202.38£ -£7,343.51December 2020£ 2,643.06£ 4,622.46£ -£7,265.52January 2021£ 790.86£ 8,238.15£ -£9,029.01February 2021£ 2,722.62£ 7,296.12£ -£10,018.74March 2021*£ 2,811.22£ 5,868.42£ -£8,679.64 * The Office has not run any public information campaigns since 24 March 2021, in line with pre-election requirements.

Scotland Office: Information Officers

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what the cost of his Department's communication team was in (a) 2019-20 and (b) 2020-21.

Mr Alister Jack: The Communications team cost for 2019-20 was £870,159, and for 2020-21 was £906,177. The Office is resourced to enable effective engagement and communication with the public and organisations across Scotland. These functions have been essential to supporting the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and providing information to people and businesses as we left the EU.

Fishing Support Fund: Scotland

Deidre Brock: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what role his Department has played with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in establishing the £100 million fishing support fund.

David Duguid: My officials and I are in regular contact with counterparts from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a range of issues of importance to the seafood sector in Scotland, including the establishment of the UK Government's new £100 million support fund. We will provide further information after 6 May.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Waking Watch Relief Fund

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many applications to the waking watch relief fund have been (a) received and (b) approved as at 21 April 2021.

Christopher Pincher: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Buildings: Insulation

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effect of inconsistency in External Wall System forms, including buildings receiving conflicting assessments, on (a) leaseholders nationally and (b) residents of the Blue Building in Portsmouth.

Christopher Pincher: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Local Government: Coronavirus

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the sectoral distribution of local authority covid-19 support funding; and if he will place a copy of that assessment in the Library.

Luke Hall: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Housing: Insulation

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Government's press release of 10 February 2021, Government to bring an end to unsafe cladding with multi-billion pound intervention, when he plans to publish guidance on the 5-point plan to assist leaseholders living in buildings of 18 metres and over where fire safety concerns have been identified.

Christopher Pincher: It has not proved possible to respond to the Rt. hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Community Development: Gardens

Dame Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department plans to take steps to increase the public land available for community gardening projects in (a) England, (b) the North West, (c) Wirral and (d) Wallasey.

Christopher Pincher: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Thurrock Council: Investment

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to his Answer of 20 April 2021 to Question 178793 on the Prudential Framework, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the prudential framework for dealing with the investments by Thurrock Council.

Luke Hall: It has not proved possible to respond to the Rt. hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

English Language: Education

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what support he is providing to the English language teaching sector to mitigate the effect of the covid-19 pandemic.

Luke Hall: The Government has made substantial business support available throughout the COVID-19 pandemic including grants, loans, reliefs and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.Specifically on grants, although English Language Schools are not eligible for the Government’s Restart Grant programme – which is aimed at the non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym sectors – they may be eligible for support via the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG). ARG provides local authorities with funding to put in place discretionary support that suits their local area.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reasons the Government is advertising COVID-19 Marshal roles with contracts running in excess of six months beyond the end of the final step of the Government’s roadmap for the easing of covid-19 restrictions.

Luke Hall: COVID-19 Secure Marshals or their equivalents are employed by local authorities, not central government.The Government has provided £400 million of funding to local authorities through the Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) to manage the pandemic at the local level. The funding can be used on a range of activities that support the management of local COVID-19 outbreaks including COVID-19 compliance and enforcement activity, such as the hiring of COVID-19 Secure Marshals or their equivalents. Local authorities have played an integral role in the nation’s pandemic response and have the expertise and understanding to inform what activities will best manage COVID-19 in their local areas.

Urban Areas: Shopping

Lee Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on consumer confidence in high street shopping; and what steps the Government is taking to encourage local shopping.

Luke Hall: Government recognises that this is a challenging time for everyone in the country and COVID-19 is having a significant impact on our communities, businesses and town centres.The Government is investing in our high streets and town centres, to help local communities to create high streets and town centres where people want to spend their time and money in. On 20 March we announced a new £56 million Welcome Back Fund (WBF), building on the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund (RHSSF) announced in 2020 to support a safe and successful reopening of our high streets and seaside resorts, giving people the reassurance that they can shop and socialise in a COVID-secure way. We were encouraged to see the rise in footfall following the opening of non-essential retail in April and continue to work with the retail sector on continuing to build consumer confidence.This builds on our longer-term investment in high streets. On 26 December 2020, the Communities Secretary announced that up to £830 million has been allocated from the Future High Streets Fund. 15 areas have been awarded £255 million, with a further 57 areas to receive provisional funding of £576 million. This is a major boost for local high streets. The investment will support areas to recover from the pandemic and help transform underused town centres into vibrant places to live, work and shop.The Government is also providing support to local leadership with a High Streets Task Force, giving high streets and town centres expert advice to adapt and thrive. On 20 March, MHCLG announced the next 70 local authorities, including Ashfield, that will receive targeted, in-person support from high street experts. This support will include a one-day diagnostic visit by a Task Force expert and, depending on the result of this diagnostic, may then include further support through expert advice on a specific issue, such as planning or design, workshops to develop a high street’s vision, and mentoring or training.

Collective Worship: Coronavirus

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will issue guidance (a) for all religions to allow for outdoor group prayer to take place with the same criteria that applies to indoor places of worship before Step 3 of the covid-19 response Spring 2021 roadmap and (b) to facilitate communal Eid prayer in connection with Ramadan.

Eddie Hughes: We know that it will be disappointing that Eid will take place before Step 3 of the roadmap to reopening has been taken. However, we must remember that we are still living through a pandemic – every additional day of restrictions directly improves our ability to reduce transmission and control the virus.Communal worship outdoors in the grounds of a Place of Worship is already possible. Outdoors each participating group can involve up to two households. Mosques will also be able to organise ‘Eid in the Park’ prayers, but will need to work with local councils and health officials to facilitate this. Because larger events inevitably carry risks around groups mingling we have advised anyone planning such an event to ensure they are modest in size and well stewarded to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed, consistent with our guidance on Outdoor Events.

Housing: Construction

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans he has to support the installation of electric vehicle charging points in newly built housing developments; and if he will make a statement.

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points on housing developments.

Christopher Pincher: The Government held a consultation on Electric Vehicle Charging in Residential and Non-Residential Buildings in 2019. It will publish its response by the summer.Permitted development rights currently allow for the installation of electric vehicle chargepoints within the curtilage of a house or block of flats without the need to apply for planning permission, where the chargepoints have a height limit of 1.6 metres.The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) is available to local authorities across the United Kingdom to provide public chargepoints for residents without access to private parking. This year, £20 million is available under the scheme.The scheme has already supported over 105 different local authorities to fund more than 3,800 chargepoints.

Buildings: Insulation

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much has been recovered from those responsible for the presence of unsafe ACM cladding to date.

Christopher Pincher: More than half of private sector high-rise residential buildings with unsafe ACM cladding have had their remediation costs paid for by warranties, developers or the building owner. Where this is not happening or is not happening at a quick enough pace the Government has made £600 million of funding available to building owners to remediate unsafe ACM cladding in residential buildings 18m and over. As part of the funding agreement applicants are required to demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable steps to recover the costs of replacing the unsafe cladding from those responsible through insurance claims, warranties or legal action.Where applicants have successfully recovered funding for part of the costs of remediation this will be reflected in their grant from the relevant fund, which will be lower than it would have been if the full costs needed to be covered. Our latest data shows this amounts to savings to the taxpayer of over £27 million across the Private Sector ACM Fund, Social Sector ACM Fund and Building Safety Fund as of end February 2021. However, given the recovery of funding from those responsible for the presence of unsafe cladding can be a lengthy and complex process we expect it to take some time to see money returned in cases where a grant covering the full cost of remediation has been made.

Building Safety Fund

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of the Building Safety Fund that will be used to remediate cladding on buildings (a) completed after 1 January 2018 and (b) completed after 1 January 2019.

Christopher Pincher: This information is not held. The Government banned the use of combustible materials material on the external walls of high-rise residential buildings in 2018. The ban was introduced to remove any uncertainty for building developers, designers, contractors and suppliers as to what materials are classified for use in the external walls of buildings. The ban limits materials that can be used to those achieving certain classifications. We expect all cladding materials to have been subject to the relevant safety checks and approved before the material can be used on a building.

Housing: Construction

Anthony Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure developers contribute financially to environmental and biodiversity improvements in the districts in which they are building.

Christopher Pincher: The Planning for the Future White Paper sets out our intention to bring forward a quicker and simpler framework for assessing environmental implications which encourages opportunities for environmental enhancements to be identified and pursued early in the development process. The Environment Bill includes measures to make biodiversity net gain mandatory, requiring developers to ensure habitats for wildlife are enhanced.Contributions from developers play an important role in delivering the infrastructure that new homes, and local economies, require. Local authorities can currently obtain these contributions by charging a Community Infrastructure Levy on new development, and by negotiating section 106 planning obligations with a developer. In 2018/19, local authorities negotiated over £150 million towards open space and the environment through section 106 planning obligations. The Planning for the Future White Paper proposes to reform the current approach to developer contributions by creating a new, single system, the Infrastructure Levy, which local authorities will be able to use towards open space and environment. The consultation on Planning for the Future closed on 29 October 2020, and we will be responding formally.

Recreation Spaces: Property Development

Lee Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to protect green spaces from unsuitable development in (a) Ashfield constituency and (b) England.

Christopher Pincher: The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has a quasi-judicial role in the planning system, and a duty of impartiality is in place. This means that I cannot comment on local policies or decisions regarding the protection of green spaces in Ashfield. It is for each local authority to plan for its area in consultation with local people, and apply policies in its development plan and national planning policy to local places and circumstances.The National Planning Policy Framework recognises that access to a network of high-quality open spaces is important for the health and well-being of communities. Local authorities should assess the need for open space, and opportunities for new provision, and accommodate these in their plans. The Framework also states that such open space should not be built on unless an assessment shows that the land is surplus to requirements, the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in a sustainable location, or the development is for alternative sport and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss.In response to the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission’s recommendations, we are giving every local authority the ability to create, in consultation with local people, its own design code to help secure more beautiful development, including the provision of green space and other green infrastructure. Local authorities are already empowered to designate Local Green Space, to protect land of importance to local people from inappropriate development.There are also strong protections for Green Belt land in the Framework. The Government is committed to protecting and enhancing the Green Belt, and to making the most of brownfield land for development. Local authorities are expected to seek opportunities to enhance beneficial uses of Green Belt, including better access and opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation.

Buildings: Fire Prevention

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of the number of buildings completed in England and Wales since 14 June 2017 that include (a) Celotex RS5000 insulation and (b) Kingspan K15 insulation.

Christopher Pincher: The Government banned the use of combustible materials on the external walls of high-rise residential buildings in 2018. The ban was introduced to remove any uncertainty for building developers, designers, contractors and suppliers as to what materials are classified for use in the external walls of buildings.   The ban limits materials that can be used to those achieving the two highest classifications. We expect all cladding materials to have been subject to the relevant safety checks and approved before the material can be used on a building. We do not currently hold estimates of the number of buildings completed in England and Wales that include Celotex RS5000 insulation and Kingspan K15.

Buildings: Fire Prevention

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what fire safety assessments have been carried out on the use of (a) Celotex RS5000 insulation and (b) Kingspan K15 insulation for buildings (i) above and (ii) below 18 metres in height.

Christopher Pincher: The Government published in January 2020 a consolidated advice note providing information to building owners on the actions they should be taking immediately to address the risk of fire spread from external wall systems including insulation and balconies. The consolidated advice note is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/869532/Building_safety_advice_for_building_owners_including_fire_doors_January_2020.pdf

Green Belt

James Daly: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government has taken to protect the green belt from development.

Christopher Pincher: This Government is committed to protecting and enhancing the Green Belt and there are strong protections for Green Belt land provided in the National Planning Policy Framework. A local authority can alter the boundary of Green Belt land only in exceptional circumstances and where it can demonstrate that it has fully examined all other reasonable options for meeting its development need.   This means that the authority should show that it has used as much brownfield land as possible, optimised development densities, and discussed with neighbouring authorities whether they could accommodate some of the development needed. The Framework also makes clear that most new building is inappropriate in the Green Belt and should be refused planning permission unless there are very special circumstances.   Some examples of these circumstances are listed in the Framework, such as buildings for agriculture, or limited infilling in villages. The protection of Green Belt land will continue under the reforms of the planning system currently under consideration.

Housing: Disability

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate his Department has made of the number of homes needed to be (a) built or (b) adapted to meet the accessibility and adaptability standard equivalent to Cat 2 of Part M of the Building Regulations.

Christopher Pincher: I refer the hon Member to my response to Question UIN 166428 on 17 March 2021.

Buildings: Insulation

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of requiring the outcome of building surveys for EWS1 fire risk assessments to be made public.

Christopher Pincher: The EWS1 is not a Government form nor a legal requirement. It was created by industry to help with mortgage valuations for high rise buildings over 18m. When asked by flat owners, building owners should be forthcoming with the outcome of assessments of the building, whether to do with fire safety, or mortgage valuations.

Surveying: Training

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many candidates have (a) registered for and (b) begun the External Wall System Assessment Training Programme in (i) Birmingham and (ii) the West Midlands as at 21 April 2021.

Christopher Pincher: To speed up valuations where EWS1 forms are justified, the Government is providing nearly £700,000 funding to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to train up to 2,000 more assessors in 2021.When applying for the External Wall Systems Assessment Training Programme potential candidates are asked to state the geographic area, or multiple areas, where they intend to work. Of the 967 applications to date, 261 indicated that they expected to take on work in the West Midlands. Of the 722 candidates currently enrolled on the course, 213 indicated that they expected to take on work in the West Midlands. We do not hold this information specifically for Birmingham.

Surveying: Training

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many candidates have (a) registered for and (b) begun the External Wall System Assessment Training Programme as at 21 April 2021.

Christopher Pincher: To speed up valuations where EWS1 forms are justified, the Government is providing nearly £700,000 funding to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to train up to 2,000 more assessors in 2021. RICS has received 967 applications for its External Wall System Assessment Training Programme and there are currently 722 candidates on the course

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Pay

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2021 to Question 180986, on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Pay, how many civil servants working in his Department have declared remuneration for paid work for organisations and companies outside of Government; and what steps he is taking to ensure that all that paid work has been properly declared.

Eddie Hughes: On 23 April, the Cabinet Secretary wrote to the Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the management of outside interests in the Civil Service The Committee published this letter on 26 April. It can be found here: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5623/documents/55584/default/ The Cabinet Secretary’s letter sets out a series of steps to improve processes. This programme of work will also take account of any recommendations that emerge from Nigel Boardman’s review The Civil Service Management Code sets out, at paragraph 4.3.4, the requirement that civil servants must seek permission before accepting any outside employment which might affect their work either directly or indirectly. The applicable principles are those set out in the Business Appointment Rules. The Civil Service Management Code is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-servants-terms-and-conditions Where the civil servant is a member of the departmental board, any outside employment, as well as other relevant interests will be published as part of the Annual Report and Accounts or other transparency publication.

Leasehold: Service Charges

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a cap on increases in service charges for leaseholders.

Eddie Hughes: The Government believes very strongly that service charges should be transparent and communicated effectively, and that there should be a clear route to challenge or redress if things go wrong. The law is clear that service charges must be reasonable and, where costs relate to work or services, the work or services must be of a reasonable standard. Leaseholders may make an application to the First-tier Tribunal to make a determination on the reasonableness of their service charges or fees. A summary of leaseholders’ rights and responsibilities must also be provided with the demand for charges.The Government established an independent working group, chaired by Lord Best, to consider fees and charges alongside the regulation of property agents. The working group published its final report to Government (available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulation-of-property-agents-working-group-report) and we are considering the report’s recommendations.

Leasehold Valuation Tribunal

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to take steps to make Leaseholder Tribunal services more accessible.

Eddie Hughes: The Government is committed to promoting fairness and transparency for homeowners including strengthening access to redress for consumers in the housing market.Leaseholders may be liable to pay the legal costs of their landlord regardless of the outcome of a legal challenge - even if they win the case. This may depend on the terms set out in their lease. This can lead to leaseholders facing bills that are higher than the charges they were seeking to challenge in the first place. It can also deter leaseholders from taking their concerns to a tribunal.The Government believes leaseholders should not be subject to unjustified legal costs and will close the legal loopholes that allow this to happen.

Cabinet Office

Regional Planning and Development: Public Opinion

Steve Reed: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 15 April 2021, to Question 179137, on Regional Planning and Development: Public Opinion, whether his Department has commissioned work to be undertaken by external polling and communications agencies into public attitudes on the Government's Levelling Up agenda.

Julia Lopez: I refer the hon. Member to my response to PQ179137, answered on 15 April 2021 which confirmed that details of departmental expenditure and contracts are published on GOV.UK.

Crown Representatives

Steve Reed: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish records of all activities undertaken by Crown Representatives as part of the work of his Department.

Julia Lopez: Crown Representatives help the government to act as a single customer. They work across departments to:ensure a single and strategic view of the government’s needs is communicated to the market;identify areas for cost savings or operational improvements;act as a point of focus for cross-cutting supplier-related issues. Crown Representatives cover all sectors of service provision including small and medium enterprises, voluntary sector organisations, mutually owned organisations, large suppliers and specific sectors. All Crown Representatives complete Conflict of Interest declarations every six months. Information about the Crown Representative programme, including a list of the current Crown Representatives and strategic suppliers is available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategic-suppliersWe will write to the hon. Member with further information and place a copy of the letter in the House Library.

10 Downing Street: Expenditure

Cat Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2021 to Question HL14191, on 10 Downing Street, whether essential works were undertaken on the Prime Ministerial residence in Downing Street prior to the current occupant moving in; and how much was spent on those works.

Julia Lopez: I refer the hon. Member to Lord True, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office’s response of 23 April 2021, PQHL14191.

Crown Representatives

Dame Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a list of all former and current Crown Representatives and strategic suppliers.

Julia Lopez: Crown Representatives help the government to act as a single customer. They work across departments to:ensure a single and strategic view of the government’s needs is communicated to the market;identify areas for cost savings or operational improvements;act as a point of focus for cross-cutting supplier-related issues. Crown Representatives cover all sectors of service provision including small and medium enterprises, voluntary sector organisations, mutually owned organisations, large suppliers and specific sectors. All Crown Representatives complete Conflict of Interest declarations every six months. Information about the Crown Representative programme, including a list of the current Crown Representatives and strategic suppliers is available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategic-suppliersWe will write to the hon. Member with further information and place a copy of the letter in the House Library.

Crown Representatives: Costs

Dame Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse is of the employment of Crown Representatives who with strategic suppliers.

Julia Lopez: Crown Representatives help the government to act as a single customer. They work across departments to:ensure a single and strategic view of the government’s needs is communicated to the market;identify areas for cost savings or operational improvements;act as a point of focus for cross-cutting supplier-related issues. Crown Representatives cover all sectors of service provision including small and medium enterprises, voluntary sector organisations, mutually owned organisations, large suppliers and specific sectors. All Crown Representatives complete Conflict of Interest declarations every six months. Information about the Crown Representative programme, including a list of the current Crown Representatives and strategic suppliers is available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategic-suppliersWe will write to the hon. Member with further information and place a copy of the letter in the House Library.

Coronavirus: Public Opinion

Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the results of 16 polls on public opinion on covid-19 conducted or commissioned by his Department which took place on Sundays between March and July 2020, which covered public opinion on Covid-19.

Julia Lopez: I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to PQs 82315 and 82316 on 9 September 2020, and PQ 156454 on 2 March 2021. Covid-19 polling for the cross-government public information campaign has been conducted regularly since the start of the pandemic. This work allows the Cabinet Office to optimise campaign messaging and maximise effectiveness, ensuring vital public health information reaches as many people as possible. The insight gathered continue to inform the Government’s ongoing communications strategy and response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and so shall not be published at this time. The Cabinet Office publishes details of all contracts over £10,000 on Contracts Finder and spend over £500, including on public information campaigns, on a rolling basis. This will include expenditure on this campaign and will be broken down by supplier.

Coronavirus: Public Opinion

Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, which companies the Cabinet Office's Insight and Evaluation Team commissioned to carry out covid-19 polling on behalf of the Government.

Julia Lopez: I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to PQs 82315 and 82316 on 9 September 2020, and PQ 156454 on 2 March 2021. Covid-19 polling for the cross-government public information campaign has been conducted regularly since the start of the pandemic. This work allows the Cabinet Office to optimise campaign messaging and maximise effectiveness, ensuring vital public health information reaches as many people as possible. The insight gathered continue to inform the Government’s ongoing communications strategy and response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and so shall not be published at this time. The Cabinet Office publishes details of all contracts over £10,000 on Contracts Finder and spend over £500, including on public information campaigns, on a rolling basis. This will include expenditure on this campaign and will be broken down by supplier.

Coronavirus: Public Opinion

Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the (a) contents and (b) results of the 265 covid-19 polling files held by his Department's Insight and Evaluation Team.

Julia Lopez: I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to PQs 82315 and 82316 on 9 September 2020, and PQ 156454 on 2 March 2021. Covid-19 polling for the cross-government public information campaign has been conducted regularly since the start of the pandemic. This work allows the Cabinet Office to optimise campaign messaging and maximise effectiveness, ensuring vital public health information reaches as many people as possible. The insight gathered continue to inform the Government’s ongoing communications strategy and response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and so shall not be published at this time. The Cabinet Office publishes details of all contracts over £10,000 on Contracts Finder and spend over £500, including on public information campaigns, on a rolling basis. This will include expenditure on this campaign and will be broken down by supplier.

Hanbury Strategy: Coronavirus

Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the (a) dates and (b) results of covid-19 polling undertaken by Hanbury Strategy on behalf of the Government.

Julia Lopez: I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to PQs 82315 and 82316 on 9 September 2020, and PQ 156454 on 2 March 2021. Covid-19 polling for the cross-government public information campaign has been conducted regularly since the start of the pandemic. This work allows the Cabinet Office to optimise campaign messaging and maximise effectiveness, ensuring vital public health information reaches as many people as possible. The insight gathered continue to inform the Government’s ongoing communications strategy and response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and so shall not be published at this time. The Cabinet Office publishes details of all contracts over £10,000 on Contracts Finder and spend over £500, including on public information campaigns, on a rolling basis. This will include expenditure on this campaign and will be broken down by supplier.

Coronavirus: Public Opinion

Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what dates between 1 January 2020 and 28 July 2020 covid-19 polling was undertaken by (a) his Department's Insight and Evaluation Team and (b) companies on behalf of his Department.

Julia Lopez: I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to PQs 82315 and 82316 on 9 September 2020, and PQ 156454 on 2 March 2021. Covid-19 polling for the cross-government public information campaign has been conducted regularly since the start of the pandemic. This work allows the Cabinet Office to optimise campaign messaging and maximise effectiveness, ensuring vital public health information reaches as many people as possible. The insight gathered continue to inform the Government’s ongoing communications strategy and response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and so shall not be published at this time. The Cabinet Office publishes details of all contracts over £10,000 on Contracts Finder and spend over £500, including on public information campaigns, on a rolling basis. This will include expenditure on this campaign and will be broken down by supplier.

Ministerial and Other Maternity Allowances Bill 2019-21

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which transgender charities the Government consulted with prior to the removal of gender neutral language from the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Bill.

Penny Mordaunt: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Weddings: Coronavirus

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the advice he has received on the reasons for the disparity between the covid-19 guidance for weddings and receptions and the guidance for the events and hospitality sector.

Penny Mordaunt: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Francis Maude Associates: Crown Representatives

Dame Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any Crown Representatives or strategic suppliers are also employed by Francis Maude Associates.

Chloe Smith: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Imports

Naz Shah: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance his Department has published on the import of Nordic Spirit nicotine patches since the end of the transition period.

Penny Mordaunt: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Organised Crime and Peace Negotiations: South America

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the most recent annual review for the (a) Colombia Peace Programme and (b) Peru and Colombia: Serious Organised Crime Programme.

Penny Mordaunt: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

11 Downing Street: Repairs and Maintenance

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the date on which the Prime Minister repaid the costs of the refurbishment of the 11 Downing Street flat.

Chloe Smith: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

11 Downing Street: Repairs and Maintenance

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on who paid the invoices for the refurbishment of the Prime Minister’s 11 Downing Street flat.

Chloe Smith: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Funerals: Coronavirus

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of removing covid-19 restrictions on funeral services before 20 April 2021.

Penny Mordaunt: We understand that losing a loved one is always a very difficult time. Throughout the pandemic, restrictions on funerals have sought to balance the needs of the bereaved with the need to minimise the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, the government has had to take the difficult decision to put measures in place to ensure funerals can continue whilst reducing risk, particularly if vulnerable people wish to attend.The Government is taking a gradual and cautious approach to removing restrictions on end of life gatherings, guided by science and the data. Further information can be found in the guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-a-funeral-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic

Medical Equipment: Northern Ireland

Claire Hanna: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland on the end of the grace period for medical consumables on 30 September 2021.

Penny Mordaunt: Lord Frost and his team are in regular contact with Vice President Šefčovič and the Commission about the various issues for which the Northern Ireland Protocol presents difficulties, including medicines and medical consumables. The Government remains in close contact with the Northern Ireland Executive as these discussions continue.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Robert Halfon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department (a) has made and (b) plans to make of potential delivery methods for a covid-19 vaccine passport.

Penny Mordaunt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to PQ 179365 on 20 April 2021, as well as the Written Ministerial Statement made on 29 April 2021.

G7: Coronavirus

Henry Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government is taking steps ahead of the UK’s Presidency of the G7 in summer 2021 to ensure that (a) the safe reopening of borders and (b) restart of international aviation is a priority of the G7.

Penny Mordaunt: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport: Business Interests

Jo Stevens: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether ACOBA has (a) considered the appointment of and (b) provided advice to any (i) former ministers, (ii) civil servants and (iii) special advisors from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on taking up a position at Camelot UK Lotteries Limited; and if he will make a statement.

Chloe Smith: ACOBA is an independent advisory Committee and publishes its advice online. I therefore refer the hon. Member to the relevant publications on GOV.UK.The application of the Business Appointment Rules for civil servants and special advisers below Director General or equivalent is a matter for their employing department. Departments publish summary information in respect of individuals at SCS2 and SCS1 level, including special advisers of equivalent standing.

Exports

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of exports from each region and nation of the UK in each month since January 2021; and if he will place that assessment in the Library.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond. UKSAs response to PQ188145 (pdf, 62.0KB)

Migrants: Coronavirus

John Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his most recent estimate is of net migration into the UK since March 2020 and the introduction of covid-19 restrictions.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond. UKSAs response to PQ185784 (pdf, 65.8KB)

UK Trade with EU: Regional Planning and Development

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Board of Trade’s Global Britain, Local Jobs report, what assessment she has made of whether the UK-EU TCA helped to level up the UK; and how her Department made that assessment.

Penny Mordaunt: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Imports: UK Trade with EU

Bill Esterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the effect on UK citizens' consumer rights of the end of the transition period in the context of the purchase of EU goods to be delivered by post.

Penny Mordaunt: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Coronavirus: Health Services

Robert Halfon: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government plans to provide one service to support all covid-19 related needs across all industries where industries can access (a) vaccine status and (b) test results from the NHS.

Penny Mordaunt: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Weddings: Coronavirus

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish guidance for weddings and civil partnerships taking place in Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap for the easing of covid-19 restrictions.

Penny Mordaunt: In the COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021, the Government has set out the gradual and cautious approach to reopening different sectors in England, guided by science and the data. It is important that we take a cautious approach in easing restrictions, so that we can see the impact of the steps we are taking before moving to the next step.For that reason, we will continue to keep guidance and restrictions under review, in line with the changing situation. Guidance on weddings at Step 3 will be updated at least a week in advance, taking into account developments in the pandemic.At Step 3, no earlier than 17 May 2021, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are permitted for up to 30 people in COVID-19 Secure venues. Receptions can also proceed with up to 30 people in a COVID-19 Secure indoor venue, or outdoors, which includes private gardens.For further information, please refer to the guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnershipsFor further information, please refer to the guidance for for wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-wedding-and-civil-partnership-receptions-and-celebrations

Elections: Sight Impaired

Cat Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the requirement for photographic ID to vote will not disenfranchise blind and partially sighted people who are less likely to hold a passport or driving licence.

Chloe Smith: The list of approved photo ID will not be limited to UK passports or driving licences. A broad range of documents already in use will be accepted, including, for example, various concessionary travel passes, Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) cards, and photocard parking permits issued as part of the Blue Badge scheme. In addition, expired photographic ID will be accepted as long as the photograph is of a good enough likeness to allow polling station staff to confirm the identity of the holder.For any voter who does not have one of the required forms of photographic ID, a free, local Voter Card will be available from their local authority.We will continue to work with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders, including the Equalities and Human Rights Commission and a wide range of charities and civil society organisations, to make sure that Voter ID is rolled out in a way that is inclusive for all eligible voters.Everyone who is eligible to vote will have the opportunity to do so.As legislation is brought forward to enable the national roll out of Voter ID, appropriate impact assessments will be provided for Parliament in the normal way.

Cabinet Office: Advertising

Deidre Brock: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much his Department has spent on social media advertising aimed solely or mainly at individuals, businesses or organisations resident, working or operating in Scotland in each month since June 2017.

Chloe Smith: The Cabinet Office's social media advertising is UK-wide.

Local Government: Elections

Cat Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that adequate numbers of counting agents are permitted by Electoral Registration Officers to attend and monitor the counting process during the election counts of 6 May 2021.

Cat Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many counting agents will be required as a minimum for the counts at the 6 May 2021 elections.

Chloe Smith: Arrangements will be put in place by statutorily independent Returning Officers and their teams to allow the effective scrutiny of the counts while ensuring each count is COVID-secure for everyone present. The pandemic means that the arrangements for these polls will be necessarily different from those normally in place.The Electoral Commission, in consultation with public health bodies, has provided guidance for Returning Officers on the organisation and conduct of the polls, including the count, in the context of the pandemic. We are aware that discussions on arrangements have taken place at local level and that Returning Officers are working with candidates and political parties to set out what is practicable within relevant legislation and with due regard to the need to ensure that count processes can be, and can be seen to be effectively conducted.I have the utmost confidence in the ability of the Returning Officers to run these polls in a way that meets the highest standards of both public safety and democratic integrity.

Greensill

Nick Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he had (a) discussions and (b) text communication with former Prime Minister David Cameron on Government support for Greensill Capital.

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a copy of the advice provided by his Department to Bill Crothers regarding his decision to join Greensill as an advisor to its board in 2015.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish details of all (a) communications and (b) meetings held between (i) No.10 special advisors and (ii) David Cameron or wider representatives of Greensill Capital (UK) Limited, Greensill Capital Management (UK) Limited and associated companies including but not limited to (A) the parties such communications or meetings were between, (B) how and when such communications or meetings took place, (C) the subject matter of such communications or meetings, and (D) how the details of such communications or meetings were recorded.

Chloe Smith: The Prime Minister has asked Mr Boardman to conduct a review that will look into the decisions taken around the development and use of supply chain finance (and associated schemes) in government, especially the role of Lex Greensill and Greensill Capital. The full terms of reference are set out at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/review-into-the-development-and-use-of-supply-chain-finance-in-government-terms-of-referenceThe review will report to the Prime Minister by 30 June 2021. The Government will publish and present to Parliament the Review’s findings and the Government’s response in due course thereafter.Correspondence between the Cabinet Office and the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crothers-bill-government-chief-commercial-officer-cabinet-office-acoba-recommendation

Freedom of Information: Prosecutions

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Government response to the Justice Committee's report Post-legislative scrutiny of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, HC 96-I, published in July 2012, what progress the Government has made on implementing its response to the recommendation that the time limit for prosecution of offences under section 77 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 should be extended; and if he will make a statement.

Chloe Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ182093 on 21 April 2021.

Ministers: Members' Interests

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Government plans to next publish the Register of Minsters’ Financial Interests.

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish an updated Register of Ministers' Financial Interests.

Ian Blackford: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to publish the second Register of Ministers' Interests from 2020.

Chloe Smith: The Prime Minister yesterday announced the appointment of Rt Hon Lord Geidt to serve as the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests. The Independent Adviser oversees the production of a List of Ministers' Interests, and the next publication will occur once Lord Geidt has concluded that process.

Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests: Public Appointments

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Government plans to fill the vacancy for the Independent Advisor on Ministerial Standards.

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans the Government has to give the next Independent Advisor on Ministerial Standards the power to initiate investigations.

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to ensure that the newly appointed Independent Advisor for Ministerial Standards has the powers to investigate whether there has been a breach of the Ministerial Code (a) independently of the Prime Minister and (b) on their own terms.

Chloe Smith: The Prime Minister yesterday announced the appointment of Rt Hon Lord Geidt to serve as the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests. Lord Geidt is a Crossbench Member of the House of Lords, a Privy Councillor and a former Private Secretary to The Queen. He brings a distinguished record of impartial public service and experience of Government to bear on the appointment.The Prime Minister has agreed Terms of Reference for the role with Lord Geidt. These have been published on Gov.uk and will be deposited in the House libraries.As part of these new Terms of Reference, and taking into account the recommendations of the Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, the Independent Adviser will now have the authority to advise on the initiation of investigations.

Civil Servants: Dual Jobholding

John Spellar: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many serving civil servants are also employed by or on behalf of another employer.

Dame Angela Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a list of all civil servants who hold advisory positions outside the civil service.

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish his Department's internal conflicts of interest policy.

Chloe Smith: On 23 April, the Cabinet Secretary wrote to the Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the management of outside interests in the Civil Service. The Committee published this letter on 26 April. It can be found here:https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5623/documents/55584/default/The Cabinet Secretary’s letter sets out a series of steps to improve processes. This programme of work will also take account of any recommendations that emerge from Nigel Boardman’s review.The Civil Service Management Code sets out, at paragraph 4.3.4, the requirement that civil servants must seek permission before accepting any outside employment which might affect their work either directly or indirectly. The applicable principles are those set out in the Business Appointment Rules. The Civil Service Management Code is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-servants-terms-and-conditions .Where the civil servant is a member of the departmental board any outside employment, as well as other relevant interests will be published as part of the Annual Report and Accounts or other transparency publication.

Greensill

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he made of potential conflicts of interest prior to the decision to appoint Nigel Boardman to lead the Government's Greensill lobbying review.

Chloe Smith: The Prime Minister has asked Nigel Boardman, a distinguished legal expert, to lead this review. Mr Boardman provided a declaration of interests and an assessment was made that there were no conflicts of interest arising.

Business Appointments Advisory Committee

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assssment he has made of the effectiveness of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments; and if he will make a statement.

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of reforming the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACBOA) including (a) statutory status, (b) enhancing sanctioning powers, (c) increasing resources and (d) making ACOBA fully independent of Government.

Chloe Smith: The Cabinet Office has been working with Lord Pickles on reviewing and improving the regime governing the acceptance of employment following departure from Government. This ongoing work will also take into account any lessons learnt from the Boardman review.

Cabinet Office: Written Questions

Nick Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when he plans to provide an Answer to Question 178999, tabled on 29 March 2021 by the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent.

Chloe Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ 178999 on 29 April 2021.

Immigration: EU Nationals

John Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many EU citizens moved to live in the UK from 2012 to 2020.

John Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of migrants to the UK from 2012 to 2020 were from the EU.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond.UKSAs response to PQ185781, 185783 (pdf, 121.7KB)

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman: Complaints

Taiwo Owatemi: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the average timescale is for cases submitted to the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman to be assigned to a dedicated caseworker in the most recent period for which figures are available; and what steps he is taking to re-introduce pre-covid-19 outbreak targets for assigning such cases.

Chloe Smith: The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is independent of Government and is accountable to Parliament through the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee for its performance. The PHSO will therefore reply separately to this question by letter.

Procurement: China

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the Government's policy is on the procurement of products that contain cotton from Xinjiang, China; when that policy was introduced; where that policy is stated; and whether that policy includes mandatory provisions; and to which parts of the public sector that policy applies.

Julia Lopez: The Cabinet Office has published commercial policy and guidance setting out the steps that all Government departments must take to identify and mitigate modern slavery and labour abuse risks throughout the commercial life cycle focussing on the areas of highest risk. This policy is mandatory for all Central Government Departments, their Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies. The policy can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-policy-note-0519-tackling-modern-slavery-in-government-supply-chains

Government Departments: Contracts

Dan Carden: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the information the Government holds on communications or meetings held between (a) Ministers, (b) advisors of those Ministers and (c) senior civil servants and those companies who have been awarded Government contracts since the start of the covid-19 outbreak.

Julia Lopez: This information is not held centrally.Details of Government contracts above £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search

Ventilators

Anneliese Dodds: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many private companies Ministers and officials in his Department proactively approached to discuss their prospective or continued participation in the ventilator challenge.

Julia Lopez: On 16 March, the Prime Minister launched the ventilator challenge to meet the UK’s need for mechanical ventilators to fight COVID-19. Following a sift of more than 5,000 initial offers of help, Cabinet Office held preliminary talks with potential suppliers and manufacturers and began a process to assess and develop shortlisted designs and scale them up. The programme was headed by a team of officials from the Government Commercial Function in the Cabinet Office. The NAO has published a comprehensive report on the programme which can be found here.During the process, 12 technical design reviews were held with the teams of companies working together on designs, staffed by clinicians, the MHRA and officials, the reviews looked at the feasibility of a design delivering the full range of functionality required. Those design reviews reduced the list of potentially viable designs down to fewer than 10, who were paired with companies able to provide the components and help with the scale up. In the end around 100 companies were involved in the manufacturing.As of December, there were over 30,000 mechanical ventilators available to patients across the United Kingdom. This compares to around 9,000 at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, described this as a “benchmark for procurement”.

Public Sector: Procurement

Owen Thompson: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to reform parliamentary scrutiny of procurement within the broader reforms proposed in the Green Paper on Transforming Public Procurement, published in December 2020.

Julia Lopez: In the Green Paper, we propose embedding transparency by default throughout the commercial lifecycle, which will enable greater scrutiny of public procurement activity. Following the analysis of responses to the Green Paper consultation, the Government will table a Procurement Reform Bill which will be subject to full Parliamentary scrutiny.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a list of events covered by the description other life events in Step 4 of the Covid-19 response roadmap.

Penny Mordaunt: References to life events in the roadmap refer to gatherings for the purposes of a ceremony, rite or ritual to mark or celebrate a significant milestone in a person’s life. This will include events such as weddings, wakes, baptisms, naming or coming of age ceremonies and stone setting ceremonies. As the Government aims to remove all legal limits on social contact by Step 4, this would enable gatherings for any purpose without the need to publish an exhaustive list of life events. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is also leading an Events Research Programme, to support the Government’s aim to remove all limits on weddings and other life events.

Lord Frost

Ms Harriet Harman: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Rt Hon Lord Frost CMG plans to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.

Penny Mordaunt: The Government is committed to Parliamentary scrutiny of our new relationship with the EU, and recognises the important role played by Select Committees, in particular the European Scrutiny Committee and the European Affairs Committee before which Lord Frost will be appearing in the coming weeks. Lord Frost has agreed to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee on 10 June together with DCMS Ministers.

Department for International Trade

Shipping: Exports

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what support her Department is providing to help UK maritime businesses export clean maritime technologies globally as part of the Government's commitment to reducing emissions from international shipping.

Graham Stuart: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

UK Export Finance

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of UK Export Finance; and if she will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how much funding her Department allocated to UK Export Finance in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Graham Stuart: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Trade Agreements: Japan

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate she has made of the additional time it will potentially take for the UK's proposed Geographical Indication-protected products to have that status confirmed under the terms of the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership in the event that such proposals face opposition in Japan.

Greg Hands: We continue to work with the Government of Japan to ensure the process to protect more UK products is smooth. Unless there are exceptional circumstances - like a Japanese producer of Cornish clotted cream opposing that Geographical Indication - this should be a straightforward process. In the event that such proposals faced opposition in Japan we would inform relevant UK stakeholders and consult with Japanese officials to ensure this is resolved as quickly as practically possible.

Trade Agreements: Japan

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many UK businesses have approached the Government since January 2021 to propose additions to the list of 70 products for which it is seeking Geographical Indication protection under the terms of the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Greg Hands: The UK Government was approached by a producer of Irish Poteen, who requested that Irish Poteen be included in the Geographical Indications (GIs) for protection under the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA). We confirmed that we intended to include Irish Poteen in these GIs. The UK Government has not been approached by any other UK businesses regarding this.The UK Government’s aim is to protect as many of our GIs as possible. In June 2020, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) contacted GI stakeholders across the UK to seek input on which GIs should be put forward for protection under CEPA.In November 2020, Defra wrote to stakeholders again, to ensure the GIs we will put forward reflected their preferences.

Trade Agreements: Japan

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, when her Department provided Japan with its list of 70 products for which it is seeking Geographical Indication protection under the terms of the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership; and what the planned timescale is for that geographical indication protection to be confirmed by the Japanese government.

Greg Hands: On 30th April, the UK will provide Japan with 77 new GIs. These will then go through Japan’s procedures.

Trade Agreements: Japan

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the Government Response to the International Trade Committee's Report on the UK-Japan CEPA, whether her policy on Geographical Indication protection has changed in light of the 21 additional products from 10 EU countries designated with Geographical Indication protection by the Japanese Government on 1 February 2021.

Greg Hands: We note that in February 2021 the EU and Japan agreed to protect an additional 28 products from 12 EU countries under the EU Japan agreement. The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) sets out an improved process for the addition of new Geographical Indications (GIs). Under CEPA, it has been agreed that all eligible UK products will be put through Japan’s GI approval process. On 30th April, the UK and Japan will exchange new GIs to receive protected recognition under CEPA. These will then go through Japan’s standard procedures in accordance with Japanese law.

Trade Promotion

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade,  what funding her Department has allocated to (a) the Tradeshow Access Programme, (b) the Music Export Growth Scheme, (c) the Internationalisation fund and (d) the E-exporting programme in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Graham Stuart: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Trade Promotion

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of (a) the Tradeshow Access Programme, (b) the Music Export Growth Scheme, (c) the Internationalisation fund and (d) the E-exporting programme; and if she will make a statement.

Graham Stuart: The Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) is monitored as part of the Department for International Trade’s (DIT) collective assessment of the support it offers to exporters. The latest TAP-specific Business Satisfaction figures are from the Export Client Survey, published July 2020, found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trade-export-client-survey-ecs. DIT has appointed Ipsos MORI to deliver an evaluation of the Music Export Growth Scheme, the final report of which will be presented to DIT later in the year. This will form an important set of evidence for any future assessments of the scheme. The Internationalisation Fund (IF) has commissioned an independent contractor to evaluate IF over the lifetime of the project. The Fund opened in December 2020 so it is too early to assess its effectiveness, but a final assessment will be made when funding comes to an end in 2023. The E-Exporting Programme is monitored as part of DIT’s collective assessment of the support it offers to exporters. It is also evaluated by the overall number of companies it has supported including via its Selling Online Overseas tool, and customer feedback.

Iron and Steel: Imports

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment she has made of the sufficiency of Category 12 steel products: Non alloy and other alloy: Merchant bars and light sections quotas for import for the development of steel in the UK.

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on steps that the Government is taking to provide support for steel production that imports large amounts of Category 12 steep products: Non alloy and other alloy: Merchant bars and light sections.

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: The Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate (TRID) initiated a review of the steel safeguard measure on 1st October 2020. This review is ongoing.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Football: Coronavirus

Kate Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the return of spectators to the indoor World Snooker Championship on 3 May 2021, whether a decisions has been made on attendance of spectators at the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium on the same day.

Nigel Huddleston: Whilst we would like to offer as many businesses as possible the opportunity to take part in the pilot programme, unfortunately it is not logistically feasible at this stage to run a large number of pilot events. I fully recognise that in normal times, fans would cherish the opportunity to travel to Wembley Stadium to support their club’s participation in the FA Vase final, and I understand the disappointment with this not being possible this year. The return of crowds is our priority for all football clubs, and we look forward to being able to welcome back fans to clubs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Boxing: Coronavirus

James Daly: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department has taken to (a) evaluate the effect of covid-19 restrictions on grassroots boxing and (b) support England Boxing with guidance for enabling boxing training to resume as covid-19 restrictions are eased.

Nigel Huddleston: Sports and physical activity are crucial for our mental and physical health. That’s why we have continued to make sure that people can exercise throughout the national restrictions and why we have ensured that grassroots and children’s sport is front of the queue when easing those restrictions. On Monday 22 February, the Prime Minister announced a roadmap out of the current lockdown in England. The government has introduced a step approach to the return of outdoor and indoor sport areas across England. Each full step of the roadmap will be informed by the latest available science and data and will be five weeks apart in order to provide time to assess the data and provide one week’s notice to businesses and individuals. National Governing Bodies, including England Boxing, for contact sports have developed action plans in line with the governments Combat Sport Framework which takes into account the level of risk of their sport and how they can work to mitigate it to minimise COVID-19 transmission risk. This has been reviewed by government to ensure it is consistent with the overarching government guidance.At step 2 of the Roadmap, contact combat sports can resume at phase 2 of the Contact Combat Sports framework for children and at phase 1 for adults. Outdoors, these sports are exempt from social gathering limits as they are organised sport. Indoors, adults must only only take part in individual activity and children can take part in groups of up to 15.

Football: West Midlands

Stuart Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure that football supporters from (a) Wolverhampton and (b) the West Midlands are consulted as part of the review of football governance.

Nigel Huddleston: The Government has made it clear that fans will be at the heart of the governance review. Football begins and ends with fans, and the Chair of the review, the Honourable Member for Chatham and Aylesford, is committed to ensuring that their voices will be heard.We are currently working on the next steps for the review, but rest assured, fans from all parts of the country will have a chance to input into the review.

Free Zones

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for International Trade of the potential merits of working with his counterparts in the (a) EU and (b) US Administration to create a digital free trading zone.

Mr John Whittingdale: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution

Football

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent meetings have taken place between (a) the Prime Minister and his officials and (b) Ministers and officials in his Department and representatives of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City football clubs.

Nigel Huddleston: The Department continuously meets with a range of DCMS stakeholders to discuss matters, including the return of fans. However, neither Ministers nor officials met with representatives of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City football clubs in advance of the Super League announcement.The full list of Ministerial meetings can be found on gov.uk.

Channel 4

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, for what reason Ofcom has yet to publish the findings of its investigation into the Channel 4 programme entitled, Dispatches: The Truth about Traveller Crime, which commenced on 29 May 2020.

Mr John Whittingdale: Ofcom is the UK’s independent regulator of television. Decisions on broadcasting regulation, including the duration of their investigations, are a matter for Ofcom.

National Lottery: Prize Money

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how much has been paid out in total by the National Lottery in prize money through (a) scratch card and instant win games and (b) standard draw prizes in each region since 2010.

Mr John Whittingdale: The total prize payout by game type and region is not collated. The total amount that has been paid out in prizes since 2010 is £38,447.5 million and the list below shows how this is broken down each year during that period. This information has been collated from an analysis of Camelot UK Lotteries Limited annual accounts, which are publicly available: 2019/20 - £4,505.0 million2018/19 - £4,128.5 million2017/18 - £3,928.4 million2016/17 - £3,943.2 million2015/16 - £4,198.9 million2014/15 - £4,043.0 million2013/14 - £3,636.6 million2012/13 - £3,697.6 million2011/12 - £3,388.6 million2010/11 - £2,977.7 million

Camelot Group: Profits

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the declared profits were of Camelot UK Lotteries Limited in each year since 2010.

Mr John Whittingdale: The 3rd National Lottery Licence sets out the amount the operator and good causes retain after certain costs (for example, prizes, lottery duty and retailer commission).Camelot UK Lotteries Limited publish their annual report on their website. Profit for the financial year and total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company after tax from 2010/2011 to 2019/2020 is shown below:2019/20 - £78.1m2018/19 - £68.0m2017/18 - £68.4m2016/17 - £70.5m2015/16 - £77.5m2014/15 - £71.0m2013/14 - £58.5m2012/13 - £54.6m2011/12 - £33.3m2010/11 - £28.6m

Camelot Group: Finance

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how much money was allocated to good causes by Camelot UK Lotteries Limited by (a) region and (b) sector in each of those regions in each year since 2010.

Mr John Whittingdale: The operation of the National Lottery and the distribution of good cause income are two separate processes. As the current operator of the National Lottery, Camelot UK Lotteries Limited has no influence over the distribution of National Lottery good cause income. All good cause income generated through National Lottery sales is placed into the National Lottery Distribution Fund which is distributed by the 12 National Lottery Distributing Bodies at arms length from the Government. The Lottery Distributing Bodies distribute funding across four good cause areas as set out in legislation, the National Lottery etc Act 1993; communities 40%, arts 20%, heritage 20%, and sport 20%. There is a publicly available database to access information on distribution of Lottery funding that can be accessed through the Gov.uk website. This website brings together National Lottery grant data from the commencement of the National Lottery in 1994 to January 2018 and allows searches to be made for good cause grants in each region within specific timeframes. Due to technical limitations with the historic database, we have not yet been able to incorporate more recent National Lottery grant data. We are currently developing a new database which will be launched this year and will include data from 2018 onwards.

Camelot Group: Advertising

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how much Camelot UK Lotteries Limited has spent on advertising by region in each year since 2010.

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how much Camelot UK Lotteries Limited has spent on advertising (a) scratch card and instant win games and (b) standard draws since 2010.

Mr John Whittingdale: DCMS does not hold this information. The amount the National Lottery operator spends on advertising is a commercial decision, subject to conditions set out in the licence which specify minimum amounts that must be spent on marketing. For the current year the figure is £72m or 1.07% sales, whichever is higher. Information for further years can be found at Schedule 10, Condition 11, Part 1 of the third licence at the following link: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/NL-licences/NL-Third-licence.pdf

Football

Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what Government support is available for (a) the provision of facilities for and (b) to encourage participation in grassroots football.

Nigel Huddleston: Sports and physical activity are incredibly important for our physical and mental health, and are a vital weapon against coronavirus.Many football clubs have benefited from the multi-billion pound package of cross-sector business support from the Government that has enabled many sports clubs and leisure businesses to survive, including the furlough scheme and business interruption loan scheme. Sports have accessed many hundreds of millions of pounds of support through this.As part of this, Sport England has provided £220 million directly to support community sport clubs and exercise centres through this pandemic, via a range of funds including their £35 million Community Emergency Fund. This support is available to both men’s and women’s clubs with the latest figures showing £10.5m has already been awarded to over 1,500 football clubs. This sector support was recently boosted by an extra £50 million to help grassroots sports clubs and organisations as part of Sport England’s new strategy Uniting the Movement.The Government continues to invest in community sport facilities as well, via the Football Foundation, alongside The Football Association and the Premier League, with government investing £18 million per annum. This three-way partnership sees £70 million of investment into community sport facilities every year.

National Lottery

Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many (a) scratch card and instant win games and (b) standard draw National Lottery tickets have been sold in each region in each year since 1994.

Mr John Whittingdale: We do not hold data on sales by region, and Camelot does not publish sales data by region due to commercial sensitivities. The table below shows sales data for draw based games (DBGs) and instant win games from 2010/11 to 2019/20. Data prior to this time was not in a readily accessible format. Sales data for instant games is not separated further into scratchcards and online instant win games. This information has been collated from an analysis of Camelot UK Lotteries Limited annual accounts.  DBG (£m)Instants (£m)Gross ticket sales (£m)2019/20£4,537.1£3,368.0£7,905.12018/19£4,081.8£3,125.0£7,206.82017/18£4,116.7£2,835.0£6,951.72016/17£4,023.2£2,902.1£6,925.32015/16£4,642.9£2,952.3£7,595.22014/15£4,649.0£2,628.8£7,277.82013/14£4,589.8£2,141.0£6,730.92012/13£4,915.9£2,062.0£6,977.92011/12£4,800.1£1,725.9£6,525.92010/11£4,386.3£1,436.1£5,822.4 In addition, annual National Lottery sales from 1994/1995 to 2019/2020 are shown below:1994/1995£1,190.7m*1995/1996£5,217.0m1996/1997£4,723.0m1997/1998£5,513.7m1998/1999£5,207.0m1999/2000£5,092.6m2000/2001£4,983.3m2001/2002£4,834.4m2002/2003£4,574.5m2003/2004£4,614.6m2004/2005£4,766.1m2005/2006£5,012.8m2006/2007£4,911.4m2007/2008£4,966.3m2008/2009£5,149.1m2009/2010£5,451.8m2010/2011£5,822.4m2011/2012£6,525.9m2012/2013£6,977.9m2013/2014£6,730.9m2014/2015£7,277.8m2015/2016£7,595.2m2016/2017£6,925.3m2017/2018£6,951.7m2018/2019£7,206.8m2019/2020£7,905.1m*As the Lottery began in November 1994, data from 1994/1995 is only for a partial year.

UK Youth Parliament: Costs

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether his Department made an estimate of the running costs of the UK Youth Parliament by budget heading prior to inviting other organisations to bid to run it.

Matt Warman: DCMS monitors and reviews its grants in line with best practice. Before competing the grant for 2021/22, my department reviewed the previous UK Youth Parliament programme grants to estimate the grant recipient’s running costs for the 2021/22 programme using high level indicative budget headings.By competing the grant for 2021/22, DCMS invited applicants to demonstrate how they would deliver the programme using the funding available, and were invited to demonstrate how they would secure external funding and partnerships to supplement the DCMS grant, as in previous years.

Coronavirus: Ventilators

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the spread of misinformation to critically ill patients with covid-19 on the use of ventilators.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government takes disinformation very seriously and DCMS is leading work across Government to tackle it. In response to the harmful disinformation and misinformation relating to Covid-19 we stood up the Cross-Whitehall Counter Disinformation Unit on 5 March 2020, which brings together cross-Government monitoring and analysis capabilities. Its primary function is to provide a comprehensive picture of the extent, scope and the reach of disinformation and misinformation linked to Covid-19, and to work with partners to stamp it out.We are working closely with social media platforms to help them identify and take action to remove incorrect claims about the virus, including health misinformation and anti-vaccination content, in line with their revised terms and conditions. Major platforms have updated their terms of service and introduced new measures to tackle misinformation and disinformation related to Covid-19. Government welcomes such measures to ensure the public has access to reliable and trusted information.We have also launched a toolkit with content designed to be shared via Whatsapp and Facebook community groups, as well as Twitter, Youtube and Instagram, to tackle false information spread through private channels. The campaign is fronted by trusted local community figures such as imams, pastors and clinicians in short, shareable videos which include simple tips on how to spot misinformation and what to do to stop its spread. This toolkit is based on the core principles of the SHARE checklist, which aims to increase audience resilience by educating and empowering those who see, inadvertently share and are affected by false and misleading information.

Museums and Galleries: Coronavirus

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether galleries that are both a retail gallery and have an accredited museum status can open at stage 2 of the Government's lockdown roadmap.

Caroline Dinenage: In Step 2 non-essential retail is allowed to reopen. Schedule 2, 13(5)(m) of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 sets out clearly that in Step 2 indoor attractions at museums and galleries must remain closed, but this does not include retail galleries where the majority of the art on display is for sale.Indoor attractions at museums and galleries will be able to reopen in Step 3, no earlier than 17 May.

Computer Software: Fraud

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to ensure that the prevalence of QR codes is not exploited by people seeking to commit fraud.

Matt Warman: QR codes are quick links which point to locations on the internet so, as with other types of links, users should avoid clicking on those which seem suspicious and be particularly wary of those from unknown sources. Some smartphones and apps enable the user to check the link address before visiting the website to assess whether it is genuine. Further information on how the public can protect themselves online is available at www.cyberaware.gov.uk.QR codes are managed by companies and organisations to interact with their customers. Like other digital technologies, these carry an element of risk. Organisations are urged to follow NCSC guidance to manage their digital technologies against cyber threats. The government is working to set standards on cyber security, provide advice and guidance to businesses, organisations and consumers on how to protect themselves online and will mandate these where necessary.

Food: Advertising

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on the effect of restrictions on online advertising of foods high in fat, salt or sugar on small businesses in the food and drink sector.

Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the ban on online advertising of foods high in fat, salt or sugar on the (a) creative and digital advertising sector and (b) food and drink sector.

Caroline Dinenage: The Prime Minister has made it clear that tackling obesity is a priority for this Government. In July 2020 the Government outlined it’s Tackling Obesity strategy which details a host of measures aimed at improving the chances of citizens living a healthy lifestyle.The Government proposed various options for restricting HFSS advertising in the 2019 and 2020 consultations targeted at protecting children from being exposed to advertising of unhealthy food products.Balanced against the priority of protecting children and tackling obesity, we have carefully considered the impact that any restrictions will have on industry and in particular the potential for market distortion or disproportionate effects on key business sectors.The final policy will be set out in our consultation response due to be published shortly. The Government is committed to acting collaboratively to prepare businesses, individuals and organisations for changes to the rules around HFSS advertising.

Events Industry: Government Assistance

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if his Department will make an assessment of the (a) implications for his policies of the findings of the recent survey by #WeMakeEvents of businesses and individuals in the live event supply chain and (b) potential merits of making sector-specific fiscal support available to the live entertainment industry in response to the effects of the covid-19 outbreak on that industry.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government recognises the severe impact the pandemic has had on supply chain businesses for the live events sector. Supply chain organisations were eligible for the first two rounds of the Culture Recovery Fund and are recognised as a critical part of the sector. Across the first two rounds of funding, the Culture Recovery Fund has helped 311 organisations in the live music supply chain to date with approximately £47million awarded. A further £300M will be available to continue supporting the broad cultural sector throughout 2021. The Government will spend over £33 billion supporting those in self-employment during this crisis, among the most generous anywhere in the world. The Government has also provided economic wide support packages which the sector has been able to access including extensions to the furlough scheme, SEISS, and additional business support.

Charities: Finance

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment the Government has made of the effect on levels of funding available to small charities of the UK ceasing to participate in the European Solidarity Corps programme; and what steps the Government is taking to mitigate that effect with replacement funding.

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps his Department is taking to replicate UK participation in the European Solidarity Corps programme through a UK scheme with similar international partnerships and funding provision.

Matt Warman: The UK continues to participate fully in the 2018-2020 European Solidarity Corps programme. This means that projects that successfully bid for funding during the 2018-2020 programme will continue to receive EU funding for the full duration of the project, including where funding runs beyond 2020 and the end of the transition period. International opportunities for young people outside of formal education settings, such as the types of activities funded under the European Solidarity Corps programme, are being considered as part of the DCMS-led Youth Review, which was commissioned by the Treasury at the 2020 Spending Review. Future funding is subject to decisions at the next Spending Review.

Members: Correspondence

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when he plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for West Lancashire of 5 March 2021, on a rural broadband speeds, reference ZA55871.

Matt Warman: A response was issued on 26 April 2021 under the case reference MC2021/05151. We apologise for the delay in responding.

Youth Review

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when his Department plans to publish the findings from its Youth Review, which closed on 7 March 2021.

Matt Warman: As announced at the 2020 spending review, DCMS is undertaking a Spring review of all DCMS support for out-of-school services for young people. Whilst the external engagement exercise closed on 7 March, the review is still ongoing and findings will be published in due course.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport: Camelot Group

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many former officials from his Department have subsequently been employed at Camelot UK Lotteries Limited in each of the last five years.

Mr John Whittingdale: This information is not collected or held. However, officials are subject to the Business Appointment Rules. As DCMS does not collect this data we cannot confirm whether any former officials have subsequently been employed at Camelot UK Lotteries Limited in the last five years.

Gambling: Internet

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what progress the Gambling Commission has made on its recent call for evidence on Remote Customer Interaction; and what steps the Government plans to take to consider the findings from that call for evidence in its review of the Gambling Act 2005.

Mr John Whittingdale: The Gambling Commission’s consultation and call for evidence on Remote Customer Interaction closed on 9 February and received over 13,000 responses. The Commission is reviewing that evidence and intends to publish an interim update on progress and to set out the next steps in due course. Government remains in close contact with the Commission as this progresses, and the Commission is sharing key evidence with the Department on this and other topics which may be relevant to our Review of the Gambling Act 2005. Our call for evidence closed on 31 March 2021, and we are currently carefully considering all the evidence submitted.

Choirs: Coronavirus

Sir Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment he has made of the timescale for allowing choirs to sing (a) indoors and (b) outdoors as covid-19 restrictions are eased.

Caroline Dinenage: Non-professional performing arts activities such as choirs are currently permitted outdoors, within the legal gathering limits. People should only take part in non-professional performing arts activities outdoors in groups of up to 6 people, or as a group of 2 households. A group made up of 2 households can include more than 6 people, but only where all members of the group are from the same 2 households (each household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible). Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a bubble.Non-professional activity indoors is not permitted indoors at this time. The intention is that this will be permitted from Step 3 of the Roadmap (no earlier than 17 May). This is subject to review and further guidance will be provided in advance of step 3. COVID-19 spreads from person to person through small droplets, aerosols and through direct contact. Singing, playing some musical instruments, shouting and physical activity increases the risk of transmission through small droplets and aerosols. The cumulative effect of aerosol transmission means the more people involved, the higher the risk of transmission. This means that it is currently important to limit the total number of individuals involved in singing as far as possible.

Prime Minister

Emmerson Mnangagwa

Ruth Jones: To ask the Prime Minister, when he last spoke to President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.

Boris Johnson: It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Dissolution.

Edward Woodwood

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Prime Minister, whether the Prime Minister or his officials have met the former Manchester United Chairman Ed Woodward in the last three months.

Jo Stevens: To ask the Prime Minister, when the meeting with Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman of Manchester United, that took place on 14 April 2021, was arranged.

Jo Stevens: To ask the Prime Minister, who else attended the meeting with Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman of Manchester Untied, on 14 April 2021 with his Office; and whether any of those present were from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Jo Stevens: To ask the Prime Minister, if he will publish the (a) minutes of his meeting with Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman of Manchester United, on 14 April 2021 and (b) any correspondence relating to that meeting.

Boris Johnson: The meeting was to discuss the safe return of fans and Covid certification, as part of ongoing work on event pilots. The European Super League was not discussed. I did not join the meeting.

Women and Equalities

Racial Discrimination

Feryal Clark: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make it her policy to (a) reject the report from the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities published on 31 March 2021 and (b) implement the recommendations on race equality included in the (i) 2019 Timpson review of school exclusions, (ii) 2017 McGregor-Smith review of race in the workplace, (iii) 2018 Windrush lessons learned review, (iv) 2017 Angolini independent review into serious incidents and deaths in custody, (v) 2017 Lammy review on discrimination in the criminal justice system and (vi) 2020 Joint Committee on Human Rights report on Black people, racism and human rights.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government will not be rejecting the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities’ report. The Prime Minister has established a new Inter-Ministerial Group to review the recommendations, and it is now right that the Government considers the report in detail and assesses the implications for future government policy.The Government has responded to previous reviews and a significant number of the recommendations have been implemented; others are underway.The independent Commission's report built on previous reviews in the scope of its work. It makes an important contribution to both the national conversation about race, and our efforts to level up and unite the whole country.

Coronavirus: Vaccination

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the Department of Health and Social Care’s press release on uptake of covid-19 vaccinations within the Black community published on 30 March 2021, what steps she is taking to tackle low levels of trust in institutions and authorities within the Black community; and what information her Department holds on levels of trust amongst the Black community in those institutions and authorities.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has access to, and regularly monitors, data with breakdowns by ethnicity on trust in public institutions, trust in government, attitudes towards the vaccine programme and wider government policy on COVID-19. The Government also carefully monitors data on vaccine uptake, intention to take a vaccine and reasons for hesitancy. This is from a number of sources, including data from the ONS and other surveys.There is a significant cross-government programme of work underway to increase confidence in the vaccination programme and to drive uptake among ethnic minority groups. This includes hosting vaccination centres in places of worship, tackling misinformation through the Counter Disinformation Unit and, through the Government's Community Champions scheme, using trusted local voices to encourage uptake.There is also a wider government communications campaign using media medics and recognised voices across ethnic minority and faith communities to build trust and encourage vaccine uptake.

Equality: Public Sector

Afzal Khan: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether her Department plans to bring a commencement order for Section 1 Public Sector Duty on Socio-economic Inequalities of the Equality Act 2010.

Grahame Morris: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will implement section 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government has no plans to commence Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010 in England. We have stated on many occasions that this duty, which requires a public body, in taking strategic decisions, to have due regard to the desirability of exercising them in a way that is designed to reduce the inequalities of outcome which result from socio-economic disadvantage, would be ineffectual. As merely a “due regard” duty, it requires no specific action from the public body concerned, and risks becoming a tick-box exercise, complied with to minimise the risk of litigation rather than to promote real change in society. The duty is also wrongly focussed on equalising socio-economic outcomes rather than opportunities.The Government’s preferred approach is to progress specific policies and practical actions that will deliver real change. We are promoting social mobility and tackling inequality through a range of initiatives – for example in education, through reforms to the welfare system, and by giving greater developmental devolution in England and rebalancing the economy through schemes such as the Towns Fund.